Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is nursing another ankle injury, but he appears optimistic that it won’t significantly hamper him in Week 16 or beyond. The two-time NFL MVP hurt his ankle during Sunday’s 21–7 win over the Cleveland Browns, when two defenders brought him down and his legs got tangled awkwardly beneath him.
Though he looked to be in considerable pain at the time, subsequent tests have shown only a mild sprain with no structural damage.
On Tuesday, Mahomes addressed the media about his injury. While he stopped short of guaranteeing his presence under center against the Houston Texans on Saturday night, he conveyed a strong sense of confidence, suggesting that his ankle already feels much improved.
“I feel a lot better,” Mahomes said. “If you go out there and win two games, you’re gonna have a long break more than likely with that Week 18 game. Even if you’re waiting to play that game, you’re gonna have another extended amount of time. So, just as important as it is to get healthy, it is to get that No. 1 seed.”
Mahomes’ focus on securing the top seed in the AFC is clear. With the Chiefs now 13–1 and having already clinched the AFC West, they’re zeroing in on home-field advantage. Two more victories (or one victory and a Buffalo Bills loss) would guarantee them the No. 1 seed, providing a coveted first-round playoff bye.
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Mahomes, understanding the value of rest, essentially spelled out a scenario where if Kansas City handles business over the next two games—first at home against Houston and then on the road at Pittsburgh on Christmas Day—he could potentially sit out Week 18, using that time to let his ankle fully recover.
That scenario, coupled with a first-round bye, would grant him and his teammates a valuable stretch of downtime before the intensity of postseason football sets in.
His remarks highlight how he’s balancing immediate health concerns with the bigger picture. Mahomes is no stranger to pushing through ankle issues; he’s done it before and has excelled.
Given his confident tone and the Chiefs’ current situation, it would be surprising if he doesn’t take the field in Week 16, ready to add another win to Kansas City’s already impressive season tally.
