The Kansas City Chiefs avoided a major disaster in their big win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle injury and had to leave the game briefly to be evaluated, up to the point where his return was questionable.
He was visibly uncomfortable and limited for the remainder of the game, with some people and analysts even urging him to sit out and let Chad Henne and the running game take over.
But the former Texas Tech quarterback was very emotional and livid on the sidelines and refused to go out.
He managed to hold down the fort and lead his team to the win, yet his availability for the AFC Championship Game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals was still up in the air.
That’s why NFL insider Ian Rapoport had to clear the air on his status, stating that he may not even practice this season, and he’ll likely be limited during the game as well:
“Is Mahomes going to practice? I would say that is — as of right now, an open question. He’s dealing with that high ankle sprain, something that is expected to limit him this week. He’s gonna play; he’s made that pretty clear; his coach Andy Read has made that pretty clear,” Rapoport said. “But he may not be normal; he may not be himself. Just how much he is limited, that’s certainly something to watch for going forward.”
From @GMFB: As the spotlight shines on KC, will #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (high-ankle sprain) practice today? pic.twitter.com/2PnP2e3nBV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2023
The Bengals’ revamped front seven will represent a major challenge for Mahomes, especially considering they’ve beaten him twice already with Joe Burrow under center.
Mahomes’ mobility is one of his most impressive traits, as well as his ability to find lanes and scramble to get those difficult yards more often than not.
The Chiefs have been the team to beat in the AFC for years now, even after Tyreek Hill‘s departure.
But this situation is far from ideal, especially going against one of the best teams in the league right now.
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