Shocking : Andy Reid Decides to Use Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from the Start of the Season, Diverging from Last Year’s Coaching Philosophy: Is There a Deeper Implication Within the Training Camp?

BALTIMORE, MD – JANUARY 28: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Patrick Mahomes #15 after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

NFL fans will get to see Kansas City Chiefs stars in action sooner and longer than anticipated.

Per ESPN’s Adam Teicher, head coach Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that he plans to play his starters for the entire first quarter of Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Many NFL teams rest their key players throughout the preseason or give them a short tune-up in the final exhibition contest. However, Reid will put Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Co. to work before they officially begin their three-peat pursuit.

This isn’t a new philosophy; Mahomes has routinely received preseason playing time. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in two games last summer.

“It’ll be good to play against someone else,” Mahomes said, per KSHB’s Aaron Ladd. “I’m tired of going against [KC defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] and every defense known to man.”

Kelce also played two games during the 2023 preseason. Critics could question that move in hindsight, as the veteran tight end missed a Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions with a bone bruise.

The four-time All-Pro signed a two-year extension before his 12th NFL season. Kelce said he plans to keep playing “until the wheels fall off.”

If all starters play, fans will see their first glimpse of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in a Chiefs uniform. He’ll look to give Mahomes a more sure-handed playmaker after a difficult season for Kansas City’s wide receivers.

The preseason game at Jacksonville starts Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.