Patrick Mahomes’ status for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans is now in jeopardy.
Second-year coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t worried about that. He cares about playing the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We’re preparing for the Chiefs,” Ryans said Monday. “A lot of the light shines on Patrick. But if you watch the Chiefs, their defense is an outstanding unit. They do a really good job defensively. (Defensive coordinator Steve) Spagnuolo has done a great job.”
The three-time Super Bowl MVP is currently listed as “week-to-week” following an ankle injury suffered in Kansas City’s 21-7 road win over the Cleveland Browns.
Sources: #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high-ankle sprain following tests, and he’s still considered week-to-week. Tests confirmed initial thoughts.
The schedule is tough, with a Saturday game then a quick turnaround for Christmas. pic.twitter.com/WiMXjyDqqT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024
During a fourth-down pass attempt, Mahomes was sacked by Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who landed on his lower half after the play. He then hobbled off the field and did not return to close out the game.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes could have returned, but x-rays showed that the face of the NFL is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain. Kansas City’s already clinched the AFC West and remains two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills for first place in the conference, so missing a game wouldn’t be the worst thing for Mahomes in the long run.
Regardless of whether the Kansas City passer takes the field at Arrowhead Stadium, Ryans’ thought is on winning and bettering Houston’s chances for a higher seed in the playoffs.
“I really can’t focus on it or be concerned about it,” Ryans said. “Coach (Andy) Reid and the offense, they’re going to find a way no matter who’s there, and they’ll find a way to move the football. So, we just have to be on it in all areas of the game whether Patrick is there or not.”
‘I have no idea if he’s playing or not. We prepare for the Chiefs’ #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ankle injury and status for Saturday game at Arrowhead Stadium @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/CuQY7O8TIA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 16, 2024
Should Mahomes be ruled out, Kansas City would likely put its faith in former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz, who filled in for the final eight minutes of Sunday’s contest and completed both pass attempts.
While Wentz should be considered a decent backup, history would be more on Houston’s side in its first trip back to Kansas City since 2020. Since Mahomes took over as the full-time quarterback, the Chiefs are 87-23. Without him, they’re 2-2.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.
