The Kansas City Chiefs are set to undergo a new direction under center this upcoming season following the departure of Pro Bowler Alex Smith, handing the reins over to second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Heading into the first preseason game on Thursday night against the Houston Texans, Chiefs are set to put Mahomes out on the field for the first quarter of the contest, according to John Dixon of Arrowhead Pride.

In his press appearances on Sunday and Tuesday, Reid said that each of the Chiefs quarterbacks will get a quarter of playing time. Based on the unofficial depth chart we showed you on Saturday, this would mean Patrick Mahomes will be under center in the first quarter, Chad Henne in the second, Matt McGloin in the third, and Chase Litton in the fourth.

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This should give Mahomes some much-needed playing time to show the adjustments he has made for the starter role. There is plenty of hope that he can be the long-term solution under center for the franchise, guiding the team to more sustained success and possibly further than just a playoff appearance.

He will likely take the field without a few of key offensive weapons such as wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who is dealing with a hip injury. Nonetheless, Mahomes will have the chance to display his strong arm that the Chiefs believe can lead the offense to greater heights. The front office has put together an assortment of Pro Bowl talent around him in running back Kareem Hunt, wide receivers Watkins and Tyreek Hill, and tight end Travis Kelce.

It's on Mahomes to take advantage of the opportunity to truly put his fingerprints on the franchise to showcase that he is the future under center.