Patrick Mahomes Confirms Abandoning Week 16 Plan as Chiefs QB Announces Injury Update Before Steelers Game

“Let’s just see how it goes here the next couple days,” said Andy Reid back in January 2023 when Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain (right leg) in their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. An MRI had confirmed that there wasn’t any damage so, the QB knew that immediate treatment would make sure he was 100% back. In fact, one week after the injury, Mahomes guided his team into the Super Bowl!

Now, let us come back to December 2024. Remember the Chiefs’ showdown against the Cleveland Browns, right? Well, 21-7 in the Chiefs’ favor wasn’t the only highlight. Instead, it was that mild high ankle sprain (right leg) that Patrick Mahomes had sustained midway through the fourth quarter. And sure, the Houston Texans fans might be watching the game as their team was next in line to face the reigning Super Bowl Champions. But let’s cut to the chase now. Within the first drive itself, number 15 rushed for 12 yards, and that, folks, was him fighting back from an injury. However, that wasn’t his original plan.

During the post-game conference, the QB revealed his original plan for the first drive. What did he say?

“My plan was to not run and then I ended up running the first drive,” Mahomes revealed. “But you get to play the ball at the end of the day and that’s a good football team and it will take everything and we’re able to go out there and win…”

Let’s dive deep into the matter, shall we? Responding to his mobility, the Texans went on to put their defense to prevent Mahomes from scrambling. However, that turned out in favor of the Chiefs and their offense got wide open. And to be honest, Houston team, you can’t give out that chance to Patrick Mahomes.

Despite the Texans’ strategy, the QB came out of the pocket and racked up that 15-yard rushing touchdown, leading the Chiefs to a solid 7-0 start. But that wasn’t all. It sparked some controversy, as some claimed that the QB faked his injury.

Regardless, when the commentator stated, “15 yards for number 15,” questions arose. Does Mahomes have superhuman strength, or does he wear a cape inside his jersey? And no doubt, that was some genuine response, considering his injury. Well, the Kansas City team fans won’t mind those questions until the star QB is out there throwing some touchdown passes—or better yet, trucking a defender, and diving into the end zone himself.

Well, it wasn’t the first time the QB has suffered an ankle injury. Remember that AFC Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars? Yeah, the one where Mahomes hurt his ankle and eventually went on to win not just that game but the Super Bowl title as well. So now, when the reporters asked if this ankle sprain felt as bad as the last one or if he was handling it better this time around, Mahomes didn’t hold back and set the record straight.

via Imago

“I felt I was ahead of there,” he responded. “I mean that one kind of just hurt, just the walk-in general whereas now I can kind of move around walking and stuff like that and now let’s just try to get it even better for this next game.” Further, when asked about how he was managing pain, he answered like the true leader and warrior that he was.

“I mean I ask a lot from the guys around me and so 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 got to do it as well and so that’s something that I pride myself on is being out there with my guys and playing football. And I’m not going to put us in 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.”

Well, for the Chiefs fans—They can take a sigh of relief as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are all set to take on the AFC North toppers, the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 25.

Kansas City Chiefs: Will injuries hinder their showdown against the Steelers?

The Chiefs will enter this game with bad luck on the injury front. For instance, Chris Jones (DT) and Jawaan Taylor (OT) are questionable whereas, Jack Cochrane (LB) is doubtful. This makes it tough for the team to deal with in a short week.

Additionally, their 14-1 record looks good, but we can’t deny that they are lacking in other areas. Benefitting from late-game moments and favorable bounces in their previous games, they can’t depend on these against a team like the Steelers.

On the other hand, the Steelers’s offense hasn’t been the same ever since George Pickens got sidelined. Reports suggest Pickens will most likely play against the Chiefs and if he does, his presence will have an immediate positive impact on his team.

Interesting Fact: The Kansas City Chiefs have a 3-2 record against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their last five games. In these games, the former accumulated 149 points, whereas the latter put up 105.