Chiefs Head Into Regular Season With 3 QBs

The Kansas City Chiefs were left with one major decision before completing their 53-man roster cuts before heading into the regular season. Patrick Mahomes is still the starting quarterback despite his injury setback, with Justin Fields as the backup. The final roster spot was decided for the third-string quarterback spot.

After trading for Fields from the New York Jets, it was unclear whether there would be room for another quarterback.

Assistant general manager Mike Bradway suggested keeping three quarterbacks was possible; it would come down to Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun. Nussmeier was a seventh-round pick out of LSU, while Oladokun is a veteran quarterback with five seasons in the league. Nussmeier was allowed to showcase his skills in the preseason finale after Oladokun left the game due to concussion protocol. He completed 22 of 34 passes for 198 yards against the Seattle Seahawks; he finished the preseason with 370 passing yards.

On Aug. 30, the Chiefs announced their 53-man roster with Nussmeier securing his spot as the third-choice quarterback. With three quarterbacks, the Chiefs waived Oladokun, who had spent four seasons with the team.

This decision comes in part because of Mahomes’ health after he recovered from ACL and LCL injuries he suffered last December. Mahomes did not play in any preseason game as he focused on recovery and progressing through training camp. As of now, Mahomes is expected to start Week 1.

The Chiefs open the regular season against division rivals the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14 on Monday Night Football.