Despite resting during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 2 preseason matchup, fans are buzzing with anticipation to see Patrick Mahomes take the field again in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. The Chiefs wrap up their preseason Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium, and the burning question remains: how much will Mahomes actually play before the regular season kicks off?
Will Patrick Mahomes Start Against the Chicago Bears?
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that after resting Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones last week in Seattle, the plan is for the starters to begin Friday’s game. “Start. I’m going to just play it by ear,” Reid said. “They’ll start it off. We’ll just see how it goes from there.”
This approach gives fans a chance to see the Chiefs’ top players on the field without overextending them before the regular season. Reid’s strategy balances getting his stars some meaningful reps while keeping them healthy for what really matters.
Mahomes has only thrown one pass this preseason, which came in Kansas City’s first game against the Arizona Cardinals. While his preseason action has been limited, Friday’s matchup could give fans another glimpse of the two-time NFL MVP as he prepares to lead the Chiefs into Week 1.
How Are the Chiefs Managing Their Star Players?
The Chiefs have been careful with their key players, balancing game experience with injury prevention. Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones all sat out the previous game, but Reid’s plan to start the top players Friday ensures they get some live-action reps while minimizing risk.
This strategy prioritizes health and readiness for the regular season, which begins in just two weeks. For Mahomes, even a limited appearance provides an opportunity to fine-tune timing with his receivers, test the offensive line, and get into a game rhythm without carrying the full workload.
Fans shouldn’t expect a full four-quarter performance, but seeing Mahomes in action will give plenty of insight into how ready the Chiefs are for Week 1. Every snap counts when you’re trying to maintain championship-level chemistry.
The Chiefs’ preseason finale serves as the last tune-up before the regular season begins exactly two weeks later. Kansas City opens the 2025 NFL season with a full slate of expectations, and the performances in preseason games help coaches evaluate depth, rotations, and matchups.
Mahomes’ limited but targeted reps in Week 3 aim to ensure he enters the regular season fully prepared to continue his MVP-caliber play. With fans eager to see the likes of Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones one more time before the official start of the season, Friday night’s game promises excitement even if the starters only play briefly.
The Chiefs are clearly taking a measured approach, balancing preseason performance with long-term player health. Still, Mahomes’ presence on the field will be enough to generate buzz among the Arrowhead faithful.
Kansas City vs. Chicago kicks off Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium, giving fans one last opportunity to watch the Chiefs’ stars before the 2025 season officially begins.
