CLEVELAND – Following his removal from Sunday’s matchup 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. In the aftermath of the Chiefs’ 21-7 triumph over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes commented on the situation, saying, “It’s hard to say right now. You still have the adrenaline rolling, and usually, it’s kind of the day after when you get a better sense of it. I felt like I could have completed the game, but the smart decision was to put Carson Wentz in.”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on rehabilitation and treatment to prepare for the next game, noting, “You just do what you have to do to get back.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Mahomes’ injury is not a fracture but acknowledged the soreness, stating that rehabilitation efforts would commence immediately. “We’ll just have to see how he does down the road here,” Reid added.
Mahomes’s exit occurred midway through the fourth quarter after he was hit while attempting a fourth-down pass. Wentz took over for the final moments of the game, allowing Mahomes to observe from the sidelines, where he was seen limping as he exited the field.
Reid remarked that while Mahomes was willing to continue playing, the decision to substitute him was prudent given the circumstance, especially with a capable backup like Wentz. “There was no need for that,” Reid noted. He praised Wentz for effectively managing the game during the final minutes.
Despite his injury, Mahomes achieved a significant milestone during the game, accumulating two touchdowns that brought his career total to 300, making him the fastest player in NFL history to reach this mark in only 128 games.
In terms of performance before the injury, Mahomes completed 19 of 38 passes for 159 yards, navigating a tough defensive front that pressured him 21 times throughout the match. Reflecting on his approach, Mahomes stated, “I’ve just got to do a better job of going through my progressions and trusting the offense.”
Coach Reid, addressing his playcalling, acknowledged that improvements are necessary, particularly in executing passing plays in the face of a formidable defense.
Looking ahead, both Mahomes and Reid remain hopeful that rigorous rehab will allow Mahomes to return to the field soon, illustrating the resilience and determination characteristic of both the player and the Chiefs organization.
In summary, while Patrick Mahomes faces uncertainty regarding his injury and upcoming game, both he and the coaching staff are focused on immediate recovery efforts. The Chiefs continue to display formidable talent and depth, promising an optimistic outlook as they head into their next game.