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The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback situation was one of the biggest topics surrounding the team throughout the offseason. Patrick Mahomes’ status was uncertain after the franchise quarterback suffered a serious knee injury late last season, forcing Kansas City to consider what its offense would look like without him.
The Chiefs responded by signing Justin Fields in free agency and later selecting Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, giving Andy Reid three quarterbacks with legitimate reasons to watch closely during training camp.
Reid removed the biggest question from the equation Tuesday after he confirmed that Mahomes is expected to start Monday night against the Denver Broncos barring a setback.
Following the announcement, the Chiefs released their first unofficial depth chart for Week 1, with Mahomes listed as the starter, Fields as QB2 and Nussmeier as the third-string quarterback.
The order is not surprising, particularly with Fields entering the season as Mahomes’ established backup. Kansas City gave Fields the first-team opportunity during the preseason while Nussmeier continued working his way into the offense.
The #Chiefs have released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of week 1 👀
LT. Josh Simmons
LG. Kingsley Suamataia
C. Creed Humphrey
RG. Trey Smith
RT. Jaylon Moore pic.twitter.com/ec4KISmOmm
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— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) September 8, 2026
However, Nussmeier made the quarterback room more interesting than expected after the Chiefs selected him 249th overall out of LSU.
The rookie also earned enough trust to make the initial 53-man roster and was eventually moved ahead of Chris Oladokun, who was waived with an injury designation. Nussmeier started the preseason finale and received praise from Reid for his preparation and leadership, giving the Chiefs reason to continue developing him as their No. 3 quarterback.
Mahomes did not play during the preseason as the Chiefs managed his return, but he has progressed through rehabilitation and participated fully enough in training camp to put himself in position to start the opener.
Mahomes’ first test will come against the Broncos, the same team that ended Kansas City’s nine-year reign as AFC West champions. Denver won both meetings between the teams last season, including a 20-13 victory in December, and enters Monday’s game believing its defense can give Mahomes a difficult first test. The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 6:06 AM.