Patrick Mahomes injury update: Chiefs QB’s ankle ‘not broken,’ day-to-day after scare vs. Browns, says Andy Reid

‘That was close,’ is a collective sentiment among Chiefs fans right now. The Kansas City Chiefs dodged a significant bullet with Patrick Mahomes’ latest ankle injury. During Sunday’s 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes suffered a right ankle injury that left fans holding their breath.

The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter when Mahomes, trying to convert a fourth-and-3, got sandwiched by two Browns defenders. He struggled to get back on his feet and needed assistance leaving the field.

On the sideline, the broadcast captured Mahomes having his right ankle taped, but the initial signs weren’t reassuring. Thankfully, the team received some good news postgame.

What’s the latest update on Patrick Mahomes’ injury?

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation after the game, sharing a preliminary update:

“His right ankle has been hurt. It’s not broken, but it’s sore. He’ll get started on the rehab part of it as we go. We’ll just have to see how he does down the road here.”

Initial X-rays came back negative, according to NFL Network, which confirmed that the injury isn’t a fracture. Mahomes is being listed as week-to-week, with more tests scheduled for Monday.

The timing is crucial. Kansas City’s potential No. 1 seed in the AFC would provide Mahomes additional rest before the playoffs, minimizing his risk of aggravating the injury.

How long will Patrick Mahomes be out?

The full extent of Mahomes’ absence remains uncertain. Reid reiterated that further evaluation is needed which is scheduled to be done on Monday:

“He’ll get started on the rehab part of it as we go, and then we’ll just have to see how he does down the road here.”

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who left today’s game early with a right-ankle injury, is considered to be week-to-week, source say based on the preliminary diagnosis.

X-Rays were negative. More tests and info coming on Monday. pic.twitter.com/OsSdEovaTR

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 15, 2024

“It’s hard to say right now,” said Patrick Mahomes regarding his status for Week 16, via ESPN. “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.”

Mahomes was 19-of-38 for 159 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game. Despite playing behind a patchwork offensive line, he wasn’t sacked but endured 12 quarterback hits. The Chiefs’ next two games against the Texans (Dec. 21) and Steelers (Dec. 25) will test their depth if Mahomes isn’t ready to return.

Chiefs QB depth chart without Mahomes

Here’s how the Chiefs’ quarterback depth chart looks:

1. Carson Wentz
2. Chris Oladokun (practice squad)

Carson Wentz, signed in April, stepped in after Mahomes’ exit and is the likely starter if Mahomes can’t go. While Wentz once showed promise as a former second-overall pick, his recent performances have been underwhelming. In 2022, he lost his starting role in Washington and appeared in one game for the Rams last season.

Wentz fits Reid’s system on paper, but it’s unclear if he can deliver at a high level. His decision-making has been a concern, and Kansas City’s receiving corps isn’t exactly stacked with elite playmakers.

Behind Wentz, the options are slim. Chris Oladokun is on the practice squad but hasn’t shown enough to warrant significant snaps.

What’s next for the Chiefs?

Kansas City faces a tight schedule in the coming weeks, with games against the Houston Texans on Saturday, December 21, and a Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The big question is whether Mahomes will be ready for either of those games or if the Chiefs will have to rely on their backup quarterback.

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Images: Imagn