A Patrick Mahomes ankle injury colored the Kansas City Chiefs‘ Super Bowl run during last year’s postseason. Could the NFL’s best player have hurt his ankle again? Here’s what happened to Mahomes on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Patrick Mahomes Injury Update
The Chiefs were up 31-0 over the Bears but were still attempting to add more points near the end of the second half when Mahomes got his right ankle rolled up on following a pass attempt.
Chicago pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue hit Mahomes’ right leg, and the reigning MVP immediately looked to be in pain.
Patrick Mahomes appears to be in pain after getting his ankle rolled on pic.twitter.com/alBUWdIlE5
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 24, 2023
Mahomes stayed in the game but was noticeably hobbled. Kansas City hit a field goal to close the second half and headed to the locker room up 34-0.
With the Chiefs winning by such a wide margin, Andy Reid might have chosen to sit Mahomes for most or all of the second half. Veteran Blaine Gabbert is Mahomes’ backup and could have led Kansas City the rest of the way in a game that looks to be intact.
However, Mahomes came out throwing the ball and jogging after halftime. He re-entered the game when the Chiefs began their first series of the third quarter.
After Kansas City’s win, Mahomes said his right ankle was in good shape. He also indicated he could have played the entire game on Sunday had it been more competitive.
On Monday morning, NFL Network confirmed Mahomes’ ankle is “all good,” noting the reigning MVP didn’t suffer a serious injury and should be good to go when the Chiefs face the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
#Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes, who was limping at one point after getting rolled up Sunday against Chicago, is “all good,” per source. Nothing serious. Kansas City visits the #Jets this week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2023
Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain in Kansas City’s Divisional Round win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in January. Backup Chad Henne initially took over for the Chiefs, but Mahomes eventually returned. He started the AFC title game before reaggravating his ankle injury in K.C.’s Super Bowl victory.
Fantasy Fallout From Mahomes’ Injury
From PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate: Mahomes was well on his way to a monster day, throwing for 221 yards and two scores in the first half.
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If Mahomes is pulled early, Gabbert is next in line to see work under center for Kansas City. The Chiefs’ pass catchers are unlikely to see a ton of work in the second half with a five-possession lead, but every Kansas City skill position player — especially Travis Kelce — will take a huge hit in fantasy value if Mahomes were to miss any time in the coming weeks.