Patrick Mahomes has sparked major injury concerns after being seen with a heavily strapped ankle during Kansas City Chiefs practice this week. The superstar quarterback, who has led his team to an incredible start to the 2024-25 NFL season, now has fans worried about his status heading into the upcoming game.
The Chiefs, under head coach Andy Reid, are off to a perfect 8-0 start, remaining the only unbeaten team left in the league. This impressive run includes a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, showcasing Mahomes’ resilience and skill. However, the game also featured a worrying moment that has led to the current injury concerns.
Late in the fourth quarter, Mahomes threw a crucial touchdown pass but landed awkwardly in the process. The 29-year-old immediately fell to the ground, visibly grimacing in pain as he grabbed at his ankle. The Chiefs’ medical staff quickly rushed over, and Mahomes was helped to the sideline, where head coach Andy Reid contemplated taking him out of the game to prevent further injury.
Backup quarterback Carson Wentz was prepared to step in, giving Mahomes time to assess the situation and rest his injured ankle. Despite the pain, Mahomes insisted on staying in the game, determined to lead his team to victory. His grit paid off, as the Chiefs secured another dramatic win, further solidifying their status as Super Bowl contenders.
After the game, Mahomes spoke to reporters about his injury, admitting that he feared his ankle would swell up in the days that followed. His concerns seem to have been validated, as footage from Friday’s practice revealed Mahomes wearing noticeable strapping around his ankle, with solid taping that suggested the issue might still be affecting him.
The sight of Mahomes’ heavily strapped ankle has left fans on edge, with many concerned that he may not be at full strength for the upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs are set to take on their AFC West rivals on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., looking to continue their perfect season and maintain their position at the top of the standings.
Fans have taken to social media to express their worries about Mahomes’ injury. “Sit him. No need to make him play against the Broncos,” one fan suggested, echoing the sentiment that it might be wiser to give Mahomes a week off to rest and recover. Another fan commented, “Ankle watch is back!” in reference to the lingering concerns over Mahomes’ past ankle issues. “8-0. Why not give him a week of rest before Buffalo?” added another fan, pointing to the need for Mahomes to be fully healthy for the more challenging matchups ahead.
With the Chiefs facing a relatively weaker Broncos team, some fans are questioning why the team wouldn’t sit Mahomes for at least one game. “Why on earth would they not sit Pat for a week?” one fan wondered, highlighting the desire to protect their star quarterback from further aggravating the injury.
Despite the visible strapping on his ankle, head coach Andy Reid assured the media that Mahomes had practiced all week without missing any reps. Reid seemed confident in Mahomes’ ability to manage the injury, and it appears that the quarterback’s competitive spirit is once again pushing him to play through the pain.
Mahomes is in the midst of another sparkling season with the Chiefs, and his pursuit of a fourth Super Bowl ring is well underway. He has demonstrated time and again that he is willing to battle through injuries for the sake of his team, but the concern now is whether playing through this ankle issue could jeopardize his long-term health and the Chiefs’ aspirations for another championship run.
With a critical stretch of games approaching, including a highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Bills, it remains to be seen whether the Chiefs will consider resting Mahomes to ensure he is fully healthy for the tougher challenges ahead.
For now, all eyes are on Kansas City’s star quarterback as he looks to lead his team to another victory while managing the latest hurdle in his career.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Broncos, Mahomes’ status will be closely monitored by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. While his resilience is admirable, the question remains whether it’s in the team’s best interest to have him on the field at anything less than 100%.
Only time will tell if this decision pays off for Kansas City or if the risk is greater than the reward.