It could have been much worse for the Kansas City Chiefs. When Patrick Mahomes limped off the field in the second quarter of his Divisional Round showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was easy to think that was the last time he’d take the field this season.
After all, his right ankle had been brutally rolled up on while avoiding pressure, bending beyond the typical flexion of a normal joint. Though he returned to the field to finish out that drive, his frustrated demeanor on the sideline and trip to the locker room for further treatment suggested a serious injury capable of derailing Kansas City’s title hopes.
But Mahomes returned to the game, threw another touchdown pass and gritted his way to a 27-20 win made possible by his toughness and a brutalizing pass rush. One day later, he confirmed he wasn’t just Byron Leftwich-ing his way through a broken bone; he should be good to go for the AFC Championship Game.
MRI today confirmed that Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain during Saturday’s win over the Jaguars, per league source. “Nothing more than that,” said one source, and Mahomes has said he plans to play in next Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2023
A high ankle sprain remains a problem. It stands to hinder the mobility of one of the league’s most dangerous scramblers and improvisors from outside the pocket. Mahomes has averaged at least 7.3 yards per scramble each season in his career and that ability to buy time unlocks magic downfield.
However, he showed he’s capable of finding open targets and lifting his wideouts even when limping through his snaps.
MVS but the S stands for SCOOORE!!! pic.twitter.com/APKHHtKOWQ
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 22, 2023
A hobbled Mahomes is still better than most NFL quarterbacks, particularly coming off what will almost certainly be an MVP season. Getting him back in the lineup is paramount to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes. Even if it puts a massive target on his back for teams to dial up the pressure in the AFC title game and, potentially, beyond.
