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Patrick Mahomes is off the injury report and is ready for the Kansas City Chiefs’ game Saturday against the Houston Texans.
Mahomes, who left during a win over the Cleveland Browns and was later diagnosed with a “mild” ankle sprain, participated fully in practice this week. He was tackled awkwardly and landed with his legs pinned in the fourth quarter. He limped off the field and Carson Wentz came in to replace him for the rest of the game.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Thursday that Mahomes “most likely” will start and the quarterback did not receive a playing designation on the team’s injury report.
“I wasn’t sure. I’ve been through that with him before and he surprises me every time he does it,” Reid said of Mahomes. “That guy is very strong mentally. It’s just a mentality he has going into this. So where he was a few days ago, yeah, I’d probably say it was a long shot. But he’s done well.”
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith ‘looking forward’ to Vikings game
While there was legitimate concern about Geno Smith’s status for Week 16, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback said he feels good and looks forward to playing Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I’m getting better every day,” Smith said Thursday. “We’re looking forward to Sunday.”
Smith suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers when he fell after throwing a pass while under pressure in the third quarter. Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper hit Smith in the lower leg while Smith was still in the air. Smith landed awkwardly and felt pain on the ground after the hit.
Smith limped to the sideline and was replaced by backup quarterback Sam Howell for the remainder of the game.
“I really wanted to go out there again on Sunday, but these things happen, everyone is going to fight for something and I want to be the guy who is known for coming through,” Smith said. “So I want to end the season on the right note. I want to make sure we have every opportunity we can to close it out the right way.”
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is out indefinitely after suffering “recurring symptoms” following his blood clot diagnosis in July.
“The New England Patriots are placing defensive lineman Christian Barmore on the non-football illness reserve list after he experienced some recurring symptoms that required additional evaluation,” the Patriots said in a statement. “We appreciate everything Christian did to return to the team this season, but our top priority is Christian’s health and well-being. We know he will continue to receive great care and we want to make sure he has the time he needs to come back stronger. never.”
Barmore, 25, missed the first 10 games of the season, returned in Week 11 and played in the Patriots’ final four games.
With the Patriots sitting at 3-11 and missing the playoffs, Barmore’s season is likely over so he can focus on his health and return in 2025.
Optimism for Lions’ David Montgomery’s playoff return
An MCL injury appeared to end David Montgomery’s season, but the Detroit Lions running back could return to the field next month if all goes well.
According Ian Rapoport of the NFL NetworkMontgomery sought other opinions and will not undergo surgery to repair his MCL. He will rehab the knee and hold out hope that he can return during the playoffs if the Lions make a deep run.
Montgomery was evaluated by trainers during the second quarter of Sunday’s 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. After testing his knee on the bench, Montgomery decided to return to the game. He finished the game with five carries for four yards.
Montgomery also suffered a knee injury earlier this season, in the first quarter of the Lions’ Week 6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Although initially listed as questionable after being helped off the field, Montgomery returned to the game in the second quarter.
Here’s the rest of the Week 16 injury report. (Players will be added after teams release their reports.)
HOUSTON TEXANS
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DT Foley Fatukasi (ankle): Out
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WR John Metchie III (shoulder): Out
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C Juice Scruggs (foot): out
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TE Cade Stover (illness): out
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LB Christian Harris (ankle): questionable
KANSAS CITY CHIEF
PITTSBURGH STEEL
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WR George Pickens (hamstring): Out
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QB Justin Fields (abdomen): out
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S DeShon Elliott (hamstring): doubtful
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CB Donté Jackson (back): questionable
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DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin): questionable
BALTIMORE RAVENS
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CB Jalyn Armor-Davis (hamstring): Out
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WR Diontae Johnson (personal): out
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WR Nelson Agholor (concussion): Questionable
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WR Rashod Bateman (foot): Questionable
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G Daniel Faalele (knee): questionable
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LB Odafe Oweh (ankle): questionable