Kansas City Chiefs fans got a welcome dose of optimism this week from tight end Travis Kelce regarding quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s ankle injury. After suffering a mild high ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes limped off the field and was replaced late in the fourth quarter.
As the Chiefs approach a Saturday matchup with the Houston Texans, there’s been uncertainty about whether the star signal-caller will be ready to lead the offense. Kelce’s latest comments, however, suggest that Mahomes is on track to take the field.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen for Christmas, but I know this weekend I’m pretty sure—Pat’s been taking all the reps this week,” Kelce said on Wednesday’s episode of New Heights, a podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce. “We all know Pat is one of the toughest guys in the league. He’s going to play through anything and everything that he possibly can, all while making sure the team’s best interest is there.”
The confidence stems from Mahomes’s well-documented ability to perform despite injuries. Since becoming Kansas City’s starting quarterback, he has shown a remarkable capacity to push through pain and still deliver high-level play.
His competitive nature, meticulous preparation, and strong rapport with teammates—especially Kelce—have helped the Chiefs maintain their standing as one of the NFL’s premier offensive units.
Jason Kelce, who knows a thing or two about playing hurt given his years in the trenches as an offensive lineman, chimed in to offer his support and a playful jab. “He’s going to tape it up, he’s going to be just fine,” said Jason, before jokingly teasing Mahomes about having “weak ankles.”
For Chiefs fans, these lighthearted remarks carry a serious message: Mahomes’s ankle sprain, though untimely, isn’t causing panic among players close to him. The Chiefs haven’t officially announced their Week 16 starter, but Kelce’s inside perspective suggests that Mahomes hasn’t missed a beat in practice. With the final three games of the regular season looming large—games that could impact playoff seeding—the prospect of having Mahomes at the helm is critical.
The Chiefs, currently sitting in a favorable position within the AFC playoff picture, know that a fully engaged and semi-healthy Mahomes is vital to their postseason ambitions. He’s the engine that makes their dynamic offense run smoothly, and any prolonged absence would be a significant blow.
Yet, from the players’ vantage point, Mahomes isn’t just another teammate; he’s a proven leader who plays through discomfort, consistently delivering clutch moments when the stakes are highest.
While fans anxiously await official word from the coaching staff, the calm assurances from Travis and Jason Kelce offer a reassuring narrative. Mahomes, it appears, is prepared to do whatever it takes to be on the field, and the team’s trust in his resilience remains unwavering.
As the Chiefs gear up for the Texans and beyond, the consensus around the locker room is clear: expect Mahomes to play, expect him to overcome the setback, and expect the Chiefs’ offense to stay on track.
For now, no alarms are sounding in Kansas City—just the steady beat of a team that knows its star quarterback has everything under control.
