Last weekend, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared to suffer a high-ankle sprain during a game against the Cleveland Browns, limping off the field in a moment that left fans and analysts concerned about his availability moving forward. However, less than a week later, Mahomes was back at practice and cleared to play in Week 16 against the Houston Texans, raising eyebrows among NFL fans who are now questioning whether the injury was exaggerated—or even real.
A Fast Turnaround
Despite reports of a high-ankle sprain, Mahomes practiced throughout the week, defying expectations for what is typically a debilitating injury. On Thursday, the Chiefs confirmed he would start against the Texans, a pivotal game as they chase the AFC’s top seed.
Adding fuel to the speculation, a video surfaced two hours before kickoff showing Mahomes arriving at Arrowhead Stadium without any visible limp. The sight of the seemingly healthy quarterback sparked a wave of skepticism online.
Fans Cry Foul
NFL fans flooded social media with accusations that Mahomes had faked or exaggerated his injury to gain some sort of advantage.
“SHOCKING. Ankle script back in as usual,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“He’ll bust out the limp when his team starts losing,” another tweeted.
“Why did the media pretend Patty was injured?” a third user questioned.
“Limp only comes out when down two scores,” added another, suggesting Mahomes might play up the injury for dramatic effect.
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Chiefs Praise Mahomes’ Resilience
While fans were busy doubting the legitimacy of the injury, the Chiefs organization had nothing but praise for their quarterback’s toughness and determination.
“I’ve been through it with him before, and he amazes me every time he does it,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “The guy has been so mentally tough and just puts it into a mindset that he has going into it [from] where he was a few days ago.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that Mahomes doubled his rehab sessions during the week, prioritizing recovery to ensure he could play against Houston.
Why Would Mahomes Fake It?
Skeptics are left to wonder: what would Mahomes gain from faking or exaggerating an injury? Some speculate it could be a strategic move to disrupt the Texans’ game plan, though this theory seems far-fetched given the stakes of NFL games and the scrutiny players are under. Others suggest it may simply be a byproduct of Mahomes’ increasing role as a polarizing figure in the league.
A Growing Villain in the NFL
Mahomes, once seen as a universally beloved talent, has increasingly become a divisive figure among NFL fans. Whether it’s due to his success, his ubiquity in commercials, or the consistent dominance of the Chiefs, some fans have embraced the role of critic, finding reasons to doubt or disparage him at every turn.
“At this point, Mahomes could throw for 500 yards and five touchdowns, and someone would still say he’s overrated,” a fan wrote online.
What’s Next for Mahomes?
The scrutiny surrounding Mahomes will undoubtedly intensify as he takes the field this Saturday against the Texans. Whether he’s truly playing at less than 100% or was never as injured as initially reported, all eyes will be on his performance.
Regardless of the chatter, Mahomes’ ability to lead his team and deliver results is undeniable. If the Chiefs secure a victory, critics may be silenced—for now. But in the NFL, the narrative can shift as quickly as a quarterback can recover from a high-ankle sprain.