Patrick Mahomes Expected to Start Sunday’s Preseason Opener vs. Saints
Many NFL clubs opt against playing their starters in preseason games due in an attempt to protect their talented stars from suffering injuries in meaningless action.
Well, apparently Andy Reid is not subscribing to that theory for a second consecutive preseason. In fact, after playing his star quarterback in the first week last year, he has decided to start two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes in Sunday’s Chiefs preseason opener against the Saints.
While addressing the media on Friday, the league’s best player stated that he is looking forward to getting hit in live game action.
“I always say, that first hit. You want to get hit where it’s not too hard, but you can feel it,” said Mahomes. “You go through a long offseason of working through the pocket and knowing that guys are rushing, but they can’t touch you. So, it’s just different when you get in the game and you’re able to get tackled and everything like that.”
Playing the face of the franchise becomes even more risky considering that the club will be rolling out two new starting offensive tackles in Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor.
“Adding the new tackles, it’ll be good to kind of get a feel for them as well,” added last season’s NFL passing yards leader. “I mean, they’ve done great in training camp so far so I am excited for them to get that opportunity to go out in a real game.”
While Mahomes and many of the starters on both sides of the ball are expected to play in the first quarter, the star signal-caller will be without several of his weapons due to injuries. Running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Kadarius Toney will miss the game while key defensive contributor L'Jarius Sneed also won't suit up.
While Mahomes may be excited to get on the same page with his new blind side protectors, Chiefs and fantasy football managers will be watching with bated breath.
