Kansas City, Mo. – December 18, 2024 – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is preparing to face the Houston Texans this Saturday, despite a mild high-ankle sprain sustained late in the team’s 21-7 victory over Cleveland last Sunday. While Mahomes is known for playing through pain, he is being cautious with his injury to ensure he can protect himself and perform at a high level.

Mahomes began treatment for the injury immediately after the game, continuing his rehabilitation on the flight home and spending over 12 hours working on it at the Chiefs’ practice facility on Monday, even though most of the team had the day off. He returned to the practice field Tuesday, but with backup quarterback Carson Wentz standing by, ready to step in if needed.

“I don’t want to go out there and put myself in harm’s way,” Mahomes said. “But I want to be able to move around the pocket and not limit the game plan. I have to protect myself, but it’s football – I know I’m going to take some hits.”

Mahomes has dealt with ankle injuries before, including a more severe one in the 2022 playoffs against Jacksonville. That injury forced him to exit the game temporarily, but with treatment, he was able to return to play in the AFC Championship and later in the Super Bowl, leading the Chiefs to victory. Reflecting on the current injury, Mahomes noted that while the 2022 injury was more serious, his current situation feels more manageable.

“Jacksonville was worse. That one was pretty significant. This one has responded better, quicker. But I want to be in a better spot than I was that next game against the Bengals,” Mahomes said.

With the Chiefs already having clinched the AFC West title and a playoff berth, Mahomes could afford to miss a game or two if it meant being fully healthy for the postseason. However, the Chiefs are still fighting for the top seed in the AFC, holding a narrow two-game lead over Buffalo. The next three games against Houston, Pittsburgh, and Denver could prove critical in securing the top spot and the only playoff bye.

“Every game counts,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “If your guys can play, they play, as long as medically they’re fine to go.”

Reid, who has seen Mahomes play through injuries before, is confident in his quarterback’s ability to be honest about his condition and to make the right decision. “He’s going to go through some stuff and we’ll see how that works out for him,” Reid said. “If he can’t work, Carson will take those reps that Pat doesn’t.”

Carson Wentz, who joined the Chiefs earlier this season on a one-year deal worth $3.325 million, is ready to step in if necessary. The former Pro Bowler has extensive NFL experience, having played in nearly 100 games and even seeing some action in the closing minutes of the Chiefs’ win over the Browns, completing both of his pass attempts for 20 yards.

“Got my feet wet a little bit at the end of last game and felt good out there,” Wentz said. “Nothing is going to change this week. Patrick has had some nicks and bruises all year, and I’ve prepared myself the same way.”

As the Chiefs move into the final stretch of the regular season, all eyes will be on Mahomes’ recovery and whether he can continue leading his team toward a potential third Super Bowl appearance.