Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is preparing to play against Houston on Saturday, provided his ailing ankle doesn’t put him in a precarious position.
Mahomes sustained a mild high ankle sprain in Sunday’s 21-7 win over Cleveland. He received treatment on the plane ride home and spent over 12 hours at the practice facility Monday.
Mahomes practiced Tuesday, with Carson Wentz backing him up. Wentz signed a $3.325 million deal with Kansas City to replace Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes’ backup.
“You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way,” Mahomes said. “It’s football. You’re going to take hits. But you want to be able to protect yourself.”
Mahomes has experience with ankle injuries, including a similar one in 2019 and a more serious one in the 2023 playoffs.
“Jacksonville was worse,” Mahomes said. “Obviously, it’s responded better, quicker.”
The Chiefs have clinched the AFC West title and a playoff spot, but much is riding on their next three games. They hold a two-game lead over Buffalo for the No. 1 seed and playoff bye.
“Every game counts,” coach Andy Reid said. “If your guys can play, they play, as long as medically they’re fine to go.”
Reid believes Mahomes will be honest about his ankle’s condition throughout the week.
“He’s going to go through some stuff, and we’ll see how that works out for him,” Reid said.
Notes:
- Safety Chamarri Conner (concussion) and left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday.
- Wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder surgery) could make his regular-season debut against Houston
