The Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear that while Patrick Mahomes is defying logic with how quickly he has returned from a torn ACL, the franchise will remain cautious. This includes the upcoming preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, with Mahomes remaining benched to protect the franchise quarterback. This leads us to look at the current quarterback room and who fans can expect to see during Saturday's opener. Veteran Justin Fields is expected to get the start, transitioning into a backup role after spending last season as the New York Jets starter.
Fields put up 1,259 passing yards and seven touchdowns to only one interception in nine starts. It was an injury-shortened season, and one that the Chiefs were able to take advantage of, getting a talented backup who gives you a puncher's chance to win if forced into action. With this in mind, it would not be a surprise not to see Reid pull the experienced backup after a series or two, with so much experience already under his belt.
This leads us to seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier, who should be expected to play the bulk of this game. The LSU product had 1,927 passing yards and 12 touchdowns in his final college season, dealing with injuries as well that resulted in a fall to the draft's final round and a chance that the Chiefs have found a long-term backup option for a bargain price.
Chiefs should expect backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to enjoy the bulk of snaps in preseason opener
Fields, it is extremely easy to know what to expect. The Chiefs simply want to see checkdowns and easy passes made, with the proven backup protecting himself and enjoying getting back on the field without taking any risks. He needs to run the offense smoothly, along with providing a boost in the run game with his own movement capabilities.
Fields simply needs to benefit from the live reps and get back to the bench healthy for the outing to be considered a win. The same cannot be said for Nussmeier, who is facing far more of an uphill battle ahead of the 2026 season.
Chiefs fans are looking for a reason to buy into the rookie and believe the project quarterback can develop into a capable fallback option. This starts on Saturday afternoon with Nussmeier needing to prove he can protect the football and make quick decisions that give the Chiefs a chance to move the chains against what will be players fighting for roster spots or auditioning for the practice squad.
Nussmeier should get an extended run both in this game and through the final two preseason contests. Coaches and fans simply want to see enough to embrace the mounting hope that Nussmeier can be a development project and a stabilizing backup at a position that already has its future secure with the best quarterback in the league. No question, even with Mahomes on the sideline, this will be an unquestionably important QB performance for KC.
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