Garrett Nussmeier to start Chiefs preseason finale vs Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will start Friday's preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium. Nussmeier will split snaps with Chris Oladokun if Oladokun clears concussion protocol. Reid stressed the decision was planned in advance and unrelated to Justin Fields. The 7:00 p.m. kickoff caps a preseason in which the LSU product has steadily earned more trust behind the veteran backup.
Key Takeaways
- Andy Reid named Garrett Nussmeier the starter for the Chiefs' preseason finale against Seattle on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium.
- Nussmeier and fourth-string quarterback Chris Oladokun will split playing time if Oladokun clears concussion protocol.
- Reid said the move was planned in advance and has nothing to do with Justin Fields, who remains the primary backup.
- Nussmeier ran with the starting offense in practice while Patrick Mahomes worked as the scout-team quarterback.
- Against Tampa Bay last week, Nussmeier completed 9 of 17 passes for 74 yards in his second preseason appearance.
Why is Garrett Nussmeier starting the Chiefs preseason finale?
Reid interrupted his list of players unavailable for Friday's game to make the announcement. "The young kid is going to go," Reid said, referring to Nussmeier. "He'll start the game. Those two are going to split the game. It has nothing to do with Justin; this is all in advance."
The decision gives the rookie his first start of the preseason. Nussmeier has played well as Justin Fields' backup through the first two exhibition games. If Oladokun cannot clear protocol, Reid indicated Nussmeier could handle the entire finale.
How has Nussmeier looked in Chiefs practice this week?
During the week leading up to the finale, Nussmeier took reps with the starting offense while Mahomes manned the scout-team quarterback role. Mahomes remains uncleared to play in a live game, though Reid said he has looked strong in practice with the right attitude.
Reid praised how Nussmeier handled the promotion. "We threw him right into the fire there with the first group, and I thought he handled it well," Reid said. "It wasn't a big shock to him. It looked like he stepped in and took it on, had good leadership, good tempo in and out of the huddle. It'll pay off for him down the road."
What role will Justin Fields play on Friday?
Fields is not expected to start but has not been ruled out entirely. Reid told Fields to "keep it loose" with his throwing arm, and the veteran could serve as an unofficial emergency quarterback if needed. Fields has been the Chiefs' primary backup through the first two preseason games, with Nussmeier operating behind him in the rotation.
Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nussmeier went 9 of 17 for 74 yards. The performance followed steady progress in camp and set the stage for Reid to hand him the reins in the final tune-up before roster cuts and the regular-season opener.
What else should fans watch in the preseason finale?
Friday's game also carries injury updates across the roster. Reid listed several players who will not play, including linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee), safety Chamarri Conner, and left tackle Josh Simmons (back). Starting running back Kenneth Walker missed two practices with ankle swelling tied to his shoe, though Reid said Walker will be fine.
Reid said he will evaluate whether starting receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy suit up as the team approaches kickoff. For more on high-profile sports developments, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage. Full details on Reid's quarterback plan are available via Arrowhead Pride.