How Chiefs’ Preseason Slate Will Determine Kansas City’s QB Depth Chart

The Chiefs have an important decision to make at quarterback, and the preseason could determine how they finalize their depth chart.

Jul 29, 2026; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier (14) and Patrick Mahomes (15) walk down the hill to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off their first preseason game of the year this weekend, giving fans their first chance to see the team in live action since last December. While the result ultimately means nothing, the matchup will finally put all the training camp hype to the test and give Chiefs fans their first real look at this year's squad.

Unfortunately, we likely won't see superstar signal-caller Patrick Mahomes until Week 1 against the Broncos. That opens the door for Justin Fields to take reps with the first team while seventh-round pick and former LSU standout Garrett Nussmeier moves into the second-string role.

It also gives Nussmeier a chance to support his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. K.C.'s three preseason games will have major implications on how general manager Brett Veach constructs the quarterback depth chart this season.

Kansas City's Two Possibilities at QB

Many outlets expect the Chiefs to carry a traditional three-quarterback setup, with Mahomes leading the way, followed by Fields and Nussmeier. However, the preseason could determine whether that ends up being the case.

The fact that Nussmeier will get extended playing time could either boost or hurt his chances of making the 53-man roster. Rookie quarterbacks can struggle when the pressure is on, and one rough preseason showing could quickly change how the Chiefs view his roster prospects.

With so many roster-bubble candidates competing for spots at other positions, the 24-year-old is far from a lock to make the team in September.

Nussmeier also cannot simply be placed on the practice squad. Because he was drafted, he would first have to clear the NFL waiver wire, where another team could potentially claim him — and that's where Chris Oladokun comes into play.

Oladokun could serve as the third-string quarterback on the practice squad and be elevated whenever Mahomes or Fields is unavailable for a game. Unlike Nussmeier, there's not much of a risk to let Oladokun pass through waivers knowing that he'll probably end up back with the Chiefs.

The Chiefs showed some confidence in Oladokun by starting him in the final two games of last season, albeit after they had already been eliminated from playoff contention. He finished the campaign with 235 passing yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and 18 rushing yards.

Relying on Mahomes' health after his recent knee surgery could be a risk, and we'd lean heavily toward keeping Nussmeier around to develop as a long-term backup. Regardless, the final decision will come down to how many roster spots the Chiefs have available and whether they believe carrying three quarterbacks is necessary rather than keeping an emergency option on the practice squad.

This may seem like a minor decision right now, but it's still worth keeping an eye on during the preseason. The quarterback depth chart could become especially important in the unlikely yet possible event that Mahomes isn't ready to go when the Chiefs open the regular season against Denver.

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