Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was able to perform up to his usual standards on Saturday against the Houston Texans while dealing with a high ankle sprain injury. He revealed the status of his ankle after the game to reporters during his postgame press conference compared to the 2023 AFC Championship game.
“I felt like I was ahead of there, that one; it kind of hurt just to walk in general, whereas now, I can kind of move around walking and stuff like that. Now, it’s just trying to get even better for this next game. Mahomes said. We’re playing a good football team that’s got a great defense; they’re going to be getting after it. Try to get in a better spot so I can utilize my mobility and still be able to work within the pocket and outside the pocket as well.”
Mahomes scrambled on the sore ankle for 33 yards (total) and a touchdown carry to start the game. He also tossed a touchdown pass with 260 yards total in the air and no turnovers. The two-time league MVP expressed his reason for playing through the pain: to honor and support his teammates.
“I ask a lot from the guys around me; I feel like if I’m going to ask them to play through pain, if I’m going to ask them to play through little nicks and bruises and stuff like that, I’ve got to do it as well,” said Mahomes. “That’s something I pride myself on, is being out there with my guys and playing football. I’m not going to put us in a position to be in a bad spot or lose a football game, but if I feel like I can compete and win, I’m going to be out on that football field.”
Mahomes will be back in action on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in the next few days, they will continue to focus on the treatment of the ankle.
