Patrick Mahomes appears to be on track to take the field on Saturday.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, who left during a win over the Cleveland Browns early last week and was later diagnosed with a “mild” ankle sprain, participated fully in practice Tuesday and Wednesday.
While things can still change, that’s a good initial sign that Mahomes will be able to start Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Mahomes was tackled awkwardly and landed with his legs pinned in the fourth quarter of their 21-7 win over the Browns on Sunday. He limped off the field and Carson Wentz came in to replace him for the rest of the game.
Mahomes was initially described as “week to week,” but both he and head coach Andy Reid insisted he would be fine and would not need to miss much time. He was reportedly diagnosed with a “mild” ankle sprain on Monday.
“You have to (try to) play,” Mahomes said Tuesday. “That’s the reason you play this game, to push yourself to play. I’m not going to put our team in a bad position. It’s about seeing where I am. I am a competitor. “I want to go out and play.”
Although the injury appears minor and Mahomes is already practicing normally, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Chiefs. Saturday’s game against the Texans will mark the second of three games in an 11-day span. The Chiefs will turn around and face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas, just four days after their contest with Houston.
Games are important too. The Chiefs, at 13-1, can clinch first place in the AFC by beating both the Texans and the Steelers. That would go a long way toward not only the Chiefs’ quest for a third straight Super Bowl victory, but also give Mahomes and the rest of his roster a chance to rest during Week 18 and their bye week in the summer. playoffs.
Mahomes has thrown for 3,348 yards with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season entering Saturday’s game. The Chiefs have won four straight games, three of which were one-possession victories.
Based on Mahomes’ comments and the fact that he’s already practicing on his ankle, he’s trying to do everything he can to stay on the field even amid a quick stretch of games. However, it remains to be seen if that will affect his long-term health with the playoffs around the corner.