At 13-1, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to assert their dominance in the AFC, positioning themselves as the frontrunner for the No. 1 seed.
Yet, they now face a concerning potential hurdle following an injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes sustained what is feared to be a right high-ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
He did not return to the game, leaving backup quarterback Carson Wentz to close out the win.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid labeled Mahomes as “week-to-week,” adding a layer of uncertainty to Kansas City’s upcoming games.
The injury echoes Mahomes’ unforgettable performance in Super Bowl LVII, when he powered through an ankle sprain to lead the Chiefs past the Philadelphia Eagles and claim MVP honors.
As the team prepares for a quick turnaround – hosting the Houston Texans on Saturday followed by a Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers – there’s speculation that Kansas City may take a cautious approach.
For his part, Mahomes remains measured, awaiting further clarity on his condition.
“It’s hard to say right now,” Mahomes said. “You still [have the] adrenaline rolling and usually it’s kind of the day after when you kind of get a good sense of it.
“I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances, but I thought the smart decision … was to put Carson Wentz in.”
The Chiefs’ playoff aspirations hinge on Mahomes’ health.
Despite what has been a subpar regular season by his lofty standards – averaging 239.1 passing yards per game with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions – Mahomes’ leadership and playmaking remain irreplaceable.
Even in an uneven season, Kansas City holds a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC standings, positioning themselves for a potential three-peat as Super Bowl champions.
Still, the team is no stranger to adversity.
Whether it’s Mahomes rallying through injuries or the offense finding its rhythm late in the season, the Chiefs thrive under pressure.
With games against the Texans and Steelers looming, however, a conservative approach could be the key to a longer postseason run.
The 29-year-old quarterback is no stranger to playing through pain, but he emphasized the importance of being ready to compete at a high level.
“You just do what you have to do to get back, and I think that’s the most important thing,” Mahomes said. “And now we just get back to the rehab part, the treatment part, and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team.”
As speculation mounts, the Chiefs’ future feels as uncertain as ever.
One thing, however, remains clear: a healthy Mahomes gives Kansas City its best shot at making history.
Whether or not he can suit up in the weeks ahead, his recovery will be the defining storyline as the playoffs approach.
What are your thoughts on Mahomes’ injury? … Just how concerned should Kansas City be???
