Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, casting a shadow over the team’s otherwise dominant 21-7 victory and raising concerns about his availability for upcoming crucial games.
The injury occurred on a fourth-down play when Mahomes was hit by two Browns defenders while attempting a pass. He was slow to get up and visibly limped off the field, unable to put weight on his right ankle. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz finished the game for the Chiefs, who were comfortably ahead at the time.
Initial reports indicate the injury is not a fracture, which is a positive sign. However, there are concerns that Mahomes may have sustained a high-ankle sprain, an injury that typically requires a longer recovery period. Further testing and evaluation are scheduled for Monday to determine the exact nature and severity of the injury.
Mahomes himself acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his return, stating that he’s unsure if he’ll be ready to play in the Chiefs’ next game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. He described the injury mechanism, saying he felt like he was hit from behind while being tackled and his ankle got “rolled up on.” He emphasized the importance of rehab and treatment in the coming days to prepare for what he called a “short week against a good football team.”
The Chiefs face a challenging schedule in the final weeks of the regular season, with three games crammed into a ten-day period. Following the Saturday game against Houston, they play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, a Wednesday game. This compressed schedule leaves little room for recovery, adding to the pressure on Mahomes and the team’s medical staff.
While the Chiefs currently hold a commanding lead in the AFC standings at 13-1, Mahomes’ injury introduces an element of uncertainty into their playoff aspirations. The team’s head coach acknowledged that Mahomes could have potentially returned to the game on Sunday, but given the comfortable lead, they opted to err on the side of caution. He emphasized that Mahomes will be evaluated “day-to-day” and that the team has confidence in Wentz’s ability to lead the offense if necessary.
Mahomes’ injury adds a layer of complexity to an already demanding late-season stretch for the Chiefs. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions are aiming to secure the top seed in the AFC, which would guarantee them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Mahomes, a two-time league MVP, is the centerpiece of their offense, and his absence would be a significant blow to their chances of a three-peat.
The next few days will be crucial in determining Mahomes’ short-term and long-term outlook. The Chiefs will need to balance their desire to win with the importance of ensuring their star quarterback’s health for a potential playoff run. While they have a capable backup in Wentz, there’s no denying that Mahomes is the engine that drives their offense and their hopes of another Super Bowl title. The team, and indeed the entire NFL, will be anxiously awaiting further updates on his condition.
