Chiefs see competitive advantage in keeping starting quarterback quiet

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes received the “full participant” status for the first time since his kneecap injury on Wednesday afternoon.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieinemy wasn’t very forthcoming about Mahomes’ first full day of work during his weekly press conference on Thursday.

“He had some reps and he did a heck of a job,” said Bieniemy. “And it was fun to get him back out there, but those guys are doing a hell of a job.”

In the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday and Thursday, Mahomes was the second quarterback to take reps behind backup Matt Moore.

Bieniemy was sure to add that whether or not Mahomes starts on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans remains up to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid — before explaining that keeping the upcoming starter a mystery does in fact provide a competitive edge over the Titans.

“I think it does give us a competitive edge because first of all, they have no idea who’s playing,” said Bieniemy. “And we’re still waiting to see exactly what’s going to take place this week.”

On Sunday, the Chiefs managed to beat a Vikings team that had won four games in a row with an offense under backup Matt Moore.

“What it does do — it builds character amongst our players,” said Bieniemy. “Our team is developing together, and I thought throughout the course, I thought those guys did a heck of a job of growing together, working together, developing chemistry together, and that was huge. Now we just need to make sure to continue with the positive flow that we have, but also understanding that hey, we still got to work. We got to focus on the little detail things that’s going to help us to progress as the season goes along.”

Reid called Mahomes “day-to-day” on Wednesday as he continues to undergo rehab.

“Our training staff does a heck of a job,” said Bieniemy. “(Chiefs head trainer) Rick (Burkholder) and his staff — they do a great job down there. But one thing you got to understand: Pat is a competitive kid, so Pat’s going to come early and stay late, regardless of the task at hand. I know that he went down there and worked his tail off because nothing is more important to Pat than being out there and competing with his teammates.”

Regardless of what the Chiefs continue to say, all signs point to Mahomes returning this Sunday.