Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid discussed how Justin Fields will fit into the team amidst Patrick Mahomes‘ injury rehabilitation. He admitted that Fields is a “legitimate quarterback” and feels lucky to have the athlete on the team.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid gives an update on Justin Fields’ status amid Patrick Mahomes recovery
On Tuesday, during a live stream on the Kansas City Chiefs’ official YouTube channel, head coach Andy Reid briefly spoke about Justin Fields. The topic came up when he was asked about the importance and capabilities of the backup quarterback in Patrick Mahomes’ absence.
“I appreciate Justin and the way he’s gone about everything so far,” Reid began. “I mentioned down at the owner meetings that we didn’t bring him in to be a gadget guy. Although he can do every gadget there is, but we didn’t bring him in to do that.”
The coach added, “He’s a legitimate quarterback, a starting quarterback in the National Football League, and we’re lucky enough to have him here. If that’s the role that he plays early in the season, we have full confidence that he can do a great job with that.” Reid also said he’ll understand Fields better in the upcoming weeks, but he likes what he has seen so far.
Justin Fields originally signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets in 2025, with $30 million guaranteed. But earlier this year, the Jets traded the 27-year-old to the Kansas City Chiefs. Moreover, they agreed to cover most of his salary for this year, which is roughly $7 million, while the Chiefs will pay the remaining $3 million (via ESPN).
This exchange comes amid Chiefs’ star Patrick Mahomes’ ongoing rehabilitation. The athlete suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee during a match last year. Mahomes’ injury required him to undergo immediate surgery, which Dr. Dan Cooper performed the following day.
Last week, the quarterback was seen on a family vacation with his wife, Brittany, sharing photos on Instagram. At the moment, Mahomes will reportedly need at least nine months to recover.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on Mandatory.
