KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs was back on the practice field Wednesday, preparing for the upcoming game against the Broncos. This follows a minor scare after he slightly injured his left ankle while throwing a touchdown in the team’s latest victory over the Buccaneers two days prior.
During the game against Tampa Bay, Mahomes was evading a defender and contemplating running for a first down when he spotted Samaje Perine open in the end zone. In the process of throwing the pass, his ankle became trapped in the muddy turf of Arrowhead Stadium, causing him significant discomfort. He was seen briefly lying on the sideline but managed to walk on his own back to the Kansas City bench. After an assessment, he quickly rejoined the game, leading his team to a touchdown before orchestrating a game-winning drive in overtime for a final score of 30-24.
On Wednesday, Mahomes provided an update on his ankle, stating, “It’s doing good. Obviously went on a little bit of a roll. It’s a little sore, but I’m able to move around and looking forward to getting out in practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on.”
Mahomes is no stranger to ankle injuries, having dealt with them previously, including a notable incident during the playoffs two seasons back. He required significant recovery time to play against the Eagles in the Super Bowl, where he re-injured it in the first half but still led the team to victory.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Mahomes, saying there’s no need to limit him: “He manages it. He stays on top of it.” The quarterback began treatment immediately following Monday’s game, a crucial step considering the short week leading up to the Broncos matchup. He arrived at the facility early Tuesday to watch game film and receive further treatment and was prepared for practice on Wednesday.
“You can only do so much. It was pretty late getting some stuff in the training room after the game, getting some stuff to take home,” Mahomes noted. He emphasized the importance of managing swelling and preparing for a quick turnaround.
In terms of other injuries, Reid reported that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster would not participate in practice due to a hamstring issue that has sidelined him for the majority of the last three games. Furthermore, defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is recovering from a bruised knee.
There are no updates yet on Charles Omenihu and Isiah Pacheco, both critical players for the Chiefs as the season progresses. Omenihu has been rehabilitating after tearing his ACL last season and has been on the physically unable-to-perform list, while Pacheco has been on injured reserve since a fibula fracture in Week 2.
Despite facing several injury challenges, including those affecting wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, the Chiefs have adapted effectively. They made strategic roster moves, such as acquiring defensive end Joshua Uche from the Patriots just before the trade deadline. Uche made his debut as a pass-rushing specialist in the win over Tampa Bay. Additionally, the team signed Kareem Hunt following Pacheco’s injury. Hunt has been impactful, racking up at least 21 carries in the last four games, consistently finding the end zone, including a crucial touchdown in overtime against the Bucs.
One of the most notable acquisitions was the trade with Tennessee for accomplished wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Practicing for only two days prior to his limited appearance in Las Vegas, he showcased his skills when he caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns against the Buccaneers.
“We continue to get him more and more comfortable in the offense,” Mahomes remarked about working with Hopkins. “We move him around and let him do what he’s special at, and that’s catching the football and winning those one-on-one matchups.”