The Kansas City Chiefs starters will play in Friday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Chiefs coach Andy Reid made the announcement Monday as the Chiefs began work for their final preseason game of the year.
Reid didn’t say how long the likes of Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce would play, but added they’ll be out there.
“They’ll start it off for sure, and see how it goes from there,” Reid said.
Mahomes, Kelce and many of the team’s other starters didn’t play last weekend against Seattle as Reid wanted to get a good look at the backups and those fighting for a roster spot.
“I wanted to give the best look we could for these guys that are trying to make the team,” Reid said. “We got some guys who are right on the border, and I wanted to give them a shot, and I wanted to see the (backup) quarterback (Gardner Minshew) work with the No. 1 offensive line.”
The Chiefs are breaking in a whole new left side of the offensive line with rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and left guard Kingsley Suamataia, who is making the transition from left tackle to guard. Reid said he’s seen progress from them throughout training camp.
“Kingsley has moved into a new position, and those two have a little something going there,” Reid said. “And you can see it more in the run game right now where they’re really working well together. And in the pass game they’re feeling that part out, but they’re doing a good job.”
ANUDIKE-UZOMAH TO IR
Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (hamstring) will likely be heading to injured reserve, Reid said. The former Kansas State standout sustained the injury last week against Seattle.
The Chiefs draft Anudike-Uzomah in the first round in 2023 and in two seasons with the club, Anudike-Uzomah has three sacks and eight tackles for loss.