Patrick Mahomes will be rested for the Kansas City Chiefs’ regular-season finale on Sunday, with his back-up Blaine Gabbert starting in his place.
Mahomes has played in every game so far this season, but coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday that he will not suit up this weekend, with the Chiefs having already sealed the No. 3 seed.
While it has not quite been the regular season campaign the Chiefs would have hoped for, Sunday’s game against the Chargers will not have an impact on the team’s finishing position.
As yet, it is unclear whether Travis Kelce will play, or also be rested.
The decision gives Gabbert, 34, the chance to start his first Chiefs game, after joining them in the offseason.
Patrick Mahomes will not play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, says Andy Reid
Instead, Mahomes’ backup Blaune Gabbert (second left) will start for the Kansas City Chiefs
So far, he has only played a few snaps in Week 3, standing in for Mahomes when he picked up an injury against the Chicago Bears.
Coach Reid also confirmed that some other starters won’t play in Los Angeles, but he didn’t go as far as to give names.
In previous years, Reid has gone with his backups when nothing has been left to play for, including in a 38-21 loss to the Chargers after already clinching the No 1 seed back in 2020.
Mahomes also made his first start as Chiefs quarterback when Reid shuffled his pack on the final day of the 2017 season at Denver after sealing No 4 seed with first-choice Alex Smith.
Speaking ahead of Reid making the decision, Mahomes had said of the game: ‘If he wants us to get out there and build off this momentum that we have, I’ll be ready to go.
‘And if he wants to give us some rest, then I’ll get that rest, prepare for whoever we’re going to play, and be ready to go in the playoffs.’
Coach Reid also hinted that a number of other starters won’t play in the regular season finale
It is currently unclear whether Travis Kelce will be among those rested for Sunday’s game
Reid’s decision could have a huge financial impact for defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is just half a sack away from activating a $1.25million bonus in his contract.
Jones needs a total of 10 sacks to trigger the bonus fee, meaning at 9.5 for the season he is on the brink of landing a windfall.
But the player admitted: ‘If Coach Reid decides to rest us, I’ll more than likely take the rest. I can use a week off.
‘I feel a few nicks and bruises. And I’m quite sure our team could use it.’
