Quarterback Patrick Mahomes smiled Saturday when he thought about his left knee, the same knee he has tested the past two weeks during Chiefs training camp. "It feels great," he said. "When you're tired sometimes, you don't even think about it. I'm trying to protect it, but at the same time pushing it to get ready for the season."

Mahomes has had more moments scrambling out of the pocket without considering his knee, surgically repaired in December after tearing his ACL and LCL. These repetitions validate that he is on track to start the season opener on September 14 against the Denver Broncos on ESPN’s "Monday Night Football."

During Friday’s padded practice, an 11‑on‑11 drill had the offense moving the ball downfield in under two minutes. Mahomes noticed his passing options were covered on a fourth‑down play, scrambled right, and, when rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods closed his angle, cut back and lateraled to running back Kenneth Walker III before falling. The ball was recovered by cornerback Chris Roland‑Wallace.

On Saturday, Andy Reid acknowledged that Mahomes may not play in the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Reid said, "The percentages are leading that way." If Mahomes misses the opener, he will be the first time a nine‑year veteran misses the entire preseason. He said he will follow the coach’s decision and be ready for the season opener.