NFL News: Patrick Mahomes Expected to Miss Time Weekly Due to Ankle Injury

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, forcing him to leave in the fourth quarter. Reports from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggest Mahomes is expected to be evaluated on a “week-to-week” basis.

Despite being listed as “questionable to return,” Mahomes did not re-enter the game, but the Chiefs still secured a 21-7 victory. Following the game, Mahomes was seen leaving the locker room on a cart, raising concerns about the severity of his injury.

Mahomes’ Stellar Career So Far

At just 29 years old, Mahomes has accomplished nearly everything a quarterback could dream of in the NFL. He is a three-time champion, two-time MVP, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a six-time Pro Bowler. Under his leadership, the Chiefs have made the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and boast an 86-23 regular season record in games he has started.

While his career has been largely injury-free, the prospect of missing Mahomes for any period is a massive concern for Kansas City.

Challenges of the 2023 Season

The 2023 season has been anything but smooth for the Chiefs. Since trading star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins two seasons ago, Kansas City’s receiving corps has struggled to replicate Hill’s impact. In 2022, players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling stepped up but didn’t match Hill’s explosiveness.

Smith-Schuster left for the New England Patriots in the offseason, leaving Valdes-Scantling and a young group of wideouts, including Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Justin Watson, to fill the void. While tight end Travis Kelce remains Mahomes’ most reliable weapon, the once-unstoppable Chiefs offence has looked more vulnerable.

Kansas City attempted to retool its receiving unit for the 2024 campaign, bringing in players like Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy, but injuries have continued to plague the roster. With Rice out for the season and Brown sidelined for an extended period, the Chiefs were forced to make midseason adjustments, including acquiring DeAndre Hopkins.

The Impact of Mahomes’ Injury

Any serious injury to Mahomes is a devastating blow to the Chiefs’ championship aspirations. While backup quarterback Carson Wentz offers a seasoned option, the team’s success hinges on Mahomes’ exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership.

Mahomes has been a model of durability throughout his career, rarely missing time due to injury. However, the Chiefs’ fortunes are tied directly to his availability. When Mahomes is sidelined, Kansas City’s offence struggles to maintain its rhythm and explosiveness.

Moving Forward

For now, the Chiefs are monitoring Mahomes’ progress and hoping for a swift recovery. The “week-to-week” designation suggests he may not miss significant time, but the risk of aggravating the injury could force the team to take a cautious approach.

As Kansas City looks to defend its championship form, the team’s depth and adaptability will be tested. Whether it’s Wentz stepping in temporarily or Mahomes playing through pain, the Chiefs must navigate a challenging stretch ahead.

One thing is certain: Patrick Mahomes is the heartbeat of the Chiefs, and their hopes for continued success rest on his ability to return to the field at full strength.