Patrick Mahomes logged a brief, ultra-efficient appearance in KC’s preseason opener, delivering a yard on one completion and a touchdown, then exiting to preserve health for the regular season. The Chiefs rolled out a cautious plan, underscoring Reid’s priority on health and continuity atop a potential fourth consecutive Super Bowl run. Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun split backup reps with uneven results, highlighting a familiar QB2 carousel in Kansas City as they prepare for the Aug. 15 tilt with Seattle. Arizona’s defense forced multiple takeaways, heightening intrigue around depth-chart players behind the Chiefs’ stars.

Mahomes’ remarks about fearing contact reinforced the plan to keep him fresh, while the backup group produced a mixed bag of efficiency and mistakes, suggesting that depth at WR and the coaching staff’s comfort with a rotating group behind Mahomes will drive early-season decisions. The next test in Seattle will offer more clarity on which role players might carve steady fantasy value behind the Chiefs’ top-tier quarterback and targets. The Cardinals’ disruptive show adds a note of caution for KC’s surrounding cast, but the overall takeaway is a measured, health-first approach as KC eyes another deep playoff push.