Since the Chiefs have the AFC's No. 3 seed, head coach Andy Reid wants to rest some starters in the season finale versus the Chargers.
In Reid's Wednesday news conference, Patrick Mahomes won't play and Blaine Gabbert will start this week. "And then we'll rotate the other guys in as we go," he continued.
That implies Mahomes will conclude 2023 with 67.2 percent completions, 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns, and a career-high 14 interceptions. A 92.6 passer rating.
Reid rested guys like this before Mahomes' rookie debut in the regular-season finale against Denver in 2017.
Gabbert, 34, has played one game with the Chiefs this year, completing 3-of-5 passes for 31 yards with two interceptions against Chicago in September.
Gabbert, the Jaguars' 2011 No. 10 pick, has not started since 2018 with Tennessee.
Not all players with milestones or incentives play, like tight end Travis Kelce, who is 16 yards from his ninth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Reid said “We’ll see” on Kelce’s playing time at the news conference.
On Wednesday, defensive lineman Chris Jones (groin spasm), running back Isiah Pacheco (quad contusion), receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring), and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (calf) will not practice. Since those four are injured, they may rest with Mahomes on Sunday.