Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes cleared important hurdle Wednesday. Will he play vs. Texans?
The Kansas City Chiefs appear one day closer to having quarterback Patrick Mahomes as their starter for Saturday’s home game against the Houston Texans.
According to the team’s injury report, Mahomes was a full participant for a second straight practice on Wednesday. This makes it even more likely he will battle through an ankle injury to play this weekend.
The Chiefs had a lighter practice Tuesday, so Wednesday’s more intense workout was always going to give a better indication of Mahomes’ potential status for Saturday’s game.
During a brief period open to reporters, Mahomes walked without a noticeable limp, while also participating in various one-leg stretches along teammates without complication.
Mahomes was rolled up on during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Browns. On Tuesday, Mahomes said his high-ankle sprain in the playoffs two seasons ago was worse than this one.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said he thought Mahomes “did well” during the team’s limited practice Tuesday. Nagy also said it would be important for Mahomes to remain honest with the coaching staff about his condition.
“We know he’s a tough kid, so we understand that,” Nagy said. “But at the same point in time, you want to be smart. We know our schedule this week, and a little bit of a shorter week, so there’s a balance there to that. But so far, I think that his mindset is to do everything he can, but at the same time, you still have to be able to see how he does throughout the week.”
If Mahomes can’t go, the Chiefs would turn to backup Carson Wentz, who completed 2 of 2 passes for 20 yards against the Browns.
Nagy said if KC did go that route, it wouldn’t require much extra work from coaches.
“Carson preps like the best of them. He knows that if he plays and it’s his time, he’ll be ready,” Nagy said. “And same thing: If Pat plays, then he’ll be ready.”
It’s not difficult to understand why the Chiefs would prefer to have Mahomes out there if available.
NFL Next Gen Stats’ data says that since 2018, the Chiefs have averaged 6.3 yards per play with Mahomes on the field compared to 5.0 yards per play when he’s not. That 1.3-yard difference is the largest for any NFL quarterback who has missed at least 200 snaps in that time.
Mahomes’ injury status has constantly shifted the sports betting line this week. The Chiefs opened as 4 1/2-point home favorites over the Houston Texans, only to have that change more than a touchdown toward the Texans when it appeared Mahomes might not play.
Now, KC is back to being favored by three points in the critical home matchup.
With a win, KC can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed and bye week with a road victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers or Denver Broncos in the regular season’s final two weeks.
Even Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub was asked indirectly about Mahomes on Wednesday, getting a question about the attitude of a professional team that isn’t sure of its starting QB in a given week.
“You’re asking me about the quarterback?” Toub joked with a smile.
Perhaps understanding the significance of Mahomes, though, Chiefs assistant head coach Toub followed up with a valid answer.
“We’re all supportive (of Mahomes),” Toub said. “If he’s able to go, he’s going to go. And everybody’s on board with it. That’s just the way it rolls. He’s a tough guy.”
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 4:14 PM.
