The final preseason game often feels like two different contests happening at once. For stars like Patrick Mahomes, it’s a brief tune-up, a chance to knock off the rust before the real season begins. But for the players on the roster bubble, it represents the final, nerve-wracking audition.
This Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs are not just hosting the Chicago Bears; they are making the final decisions that will shape their season, and for many, their entire careers.
Are Patrick Mahomes and Other Chiefs’ Starters Playing Against Chicago Tonight?
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed to reporters that the Kansas City Chiefs’ regulars will start the preseason finale. “They’ll start it off, for sure, and then we’ll see how it goes from there,” he said during his Monday press conference. The decision ensures Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and other top players get live action before the team’s Week 1 trip to Brazil to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
So far, Mahomes has logged just three preseason snaps, which resulted in a touchdown drive in the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Friday’s game should provide him with a longer runway to fine-tune timing with his offensive line and receivers.
However, not every frontline player will suit up. Reid ruled out seven injured Chiefs: tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring), linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee), offensive tackle Ethan Driskell (appendix), safety Mike Edwards (hamstring), cornerback Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (ankle), and wide receiver Jaylen Royals (knee).
There is also some uncertainty around wideout Hollywood Brown, who returned to practice this week after an ankle injury, and cornerback Kristian Fulton, who has yet to play this preseason. Reid said both would be evaluated closer to kickoff.
Which Young Chiefs Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
While the starters will get the initial spotlight, the night doubles as a showcase for roster hopefuls. Reid emphasized that he wants to get a good look at the entire roster, especially with final cuts looming on Tuesday.
This focus translates to extended reps for players on the roster bubble. This includes receivers competing for depth spots behind Brown and Rashee Rice, and defensive backs battling to complete the secondary. The coaching staff has also highlighted the importance of evaluating offensive line combinations, with players like Kingsley Suamataia expected to see significant snaps once the starters exit.
Meanwhile, head coach Ben Johnson has not formally announced his rotation for Chicago, but the Bears have typically mixed starters early in the preseason. How long Caleb Williams and the first-team offense play will be another storyline to monitor opposite Mahomes and the Chiefs’ starters.
The Chiefs will face the Bears on Friday, August 22, at 7:20 p.m. CT at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Local broadcasts will carry the game in each market; out-of-market fans can stream it live on NFL+.
Ultimately, Kansas City’s approach signals Reid’s desire to sharpen his veterans while still evaluating the next wave of contributors. With the regular season opener in Sao Paulo just two weeks away, Friday offers a final dress rehearsal and one last chance for fringe players to make their case.
