CLEVELAND – Following his exit from the game due to a right ankle injury, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans. After leading the Chiefs to a 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes stated, “It’s hard to say right now,” emphasizing that the adrenaline of the game made it difficult to assess the injury’s severity immediately. He acknowledged that he could have continued playing under different circumstances, but ultimately agreed with the decision to substitute in quarterback Carson Wentz for precautionary reasons.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided reassurance by stating that Mahomes’ ankle did not appear to be broken. He confirmed that the injury was sore and that Mahomes would begin his rehabilitation as the team prepares for a short week ahead. Reid noted, “He wanted to fight about it, but we’ve got Carson, and it was good for him to get some reps.”
Mahomes’ injury occurred when he was hit from behind while attempting to throw a pass. He described the play as a combination of being pressured from behind and struck high, leading to a challenging situation to navigate. Despite the injury, Mahomes praised the defense’s performance and expressed confidence in Wentz, saying, “He did a great job moving the football, running time off the clock, and putting us in a position to win.”
Remarkably, Mahomes reached a career milestone during this game, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to achieve 300 combined touchdowns, with 282 passing and 18 rushing scores, accomplished in just 128 games. The previous record was held by Aaron Rodgers, who reached this milestone in 135 games.
In the game, Mahomes completed 19 of 38 passes for 159 yards alongside two touchdowns before leaving the field. He faced significant pressure, being hit 21 times during the match, which led him to reflect on the need for better decision-making in the offense. “I’ve just got to do a better job of going through my progressions and trusting the offense,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face the challenge of competing against the Texans next Saturday. Fans and teammates alike remain hopeful that Mahomes will recover quickly and return to the field, especially given his pivotal role in the team’s success. With a proper focus on rehabilitation and the trust in their backup quarterback, the Chiefs remain optimistic about their prospects moving forward.
This situation underscores the resilience of Mahomes and the Chiefs’ depth in their lineup, preparing them to tackle the challenges that lie ahead with confidence.