How long will the KC Chiefs starters play against the Lions? This is what we expect on Saturday

Chiefs fans will appreciate seeing their favorite team play its second preseason game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. KC's core players are expected to see their most playing time in the three preseason games.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the regulars will play the first half against the Detroit Lions on Saturday, with kickoff at 3 p.m. and the game being broadcast on Channel 41.

“The number ones (starters) will take over halftime and we will step in after that,” Reid said.

But … history suggests that some of those starters, including superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will be benched before halftime. That's been the case in the second preseason game the past two seasons. Mahomes was knocked out early in the second quarter in both games after leading touchdown drives.

Some injury issues are expected to alter the Chiefs' lineup on Saturday. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor suffered a shoulder injury this week and is out for the time being.

“He won't play this weekend, but I think he'll be fine,” Reid said.

Lucas Niang has been playing with the starters at right tackle in Taylor's absence. Wanya Morris, who is battling with left tackle Kingsley Suamataia for a starting position, would likely get the call … but he's dealing with a bone bruise in one of his knees and won't play this weekend.

Also absent is cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. Watson did not play in last week's season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was able to practice this week.

Joshua Williams, who was battling with Watson and Nazeeh Johnson for the second cornerback spot behind Trent McDuffie, was in action last weekend.

“You want someone to step up and be able to play that position, and you don't want to have someone who's rotating and always looking around,” said defensive backs coach Dave Merritt.

Left guard Joe Thuney is recovering from a pectoral injury sustained in last season's playoffs and returned to practice this week but is unlikely to play.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who played twice last weekend, has been absent from practice most of the week.