Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 15 win against the Cleveland Browns. There were serious doubts about whether the star quarterback would be available to play in Week 16 against the Houston Texans.
Mahomes was listed as questionable throughout the week but has officially been cleared to play. The news of his availability for Saturday’s game angered many fans on social media.
Fans React to Patrick Mahomes Getting Cleared To Play vs. Texans
Mahomes looked seriously hurt when he went down in the fourth quarter against the Browns. He did not return to the game, and many expected the Chiefs quarterback to miss some time.
With him being available straight away for the game against the Texans, some fans believe Mahomes tries to exaggerate his injuries to be seen as the underdog. Fans related to the two-time NFL MVP’s ankle injury in the playoffs from two years ago, where he led his team to another Super Bowl.
Fans had mixed reactions, with some unsure as to why Mahomes would risk further injury, with others suspect of the quick turnaround.
I don’t like this at all. This really is a meaningless game against an inferior opponent at Arrowhead. The @Chiefs Defense is dialed in and Carson Wentz can give them enough with an aggressive running game to win. #LetPatRest #ChiefsKingdom
— 𝕮𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓🥃𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜 (@captlibertas) December 19, 2024
“I don’t like this at all. This really is a meaningless game against an inferior opponent at Arrowhead. The Chiefs Defense is dialed in and Carson Wentz can give them enough with an aggressive running game to win,” said one fan.
“[Mahomes] is tough. That injury looked pretty bad last week against the Browns. Chiefs definitely need him rest of the way, with tough games against Texans, Steelers, and Broncos left,” added another.
Mahommes is tough. That injury looked pretty bad last week against the Browns. Chiefs definitely need him rest of the way, with tough games against Texans, Steelers, and Broncos left.
— Brandon Duck (@thebrandonduck) December 19, 2024
One fan added, “I’m glad he can play, but not being listed on the injury report is incredibly suspect. That medical team is sketchy.”
“I’d not rush him and definitely keep an eye on him and limit his reps just in case. The injuries this season have sucked. Hate to see him go down,” cautioned another.
“Bro got a bruise and limped off like he snapped his leg in half,” commented a more pessimistic fan.
Bro got a bruise and limped off like he snapped his leg in half 🤣🤣🤣
— Hate First Sports (@hatefirstsports) December 19, 2024
Mahomes’ injury against the Browns, in fact, looked quite bad. But the only reason he has recovered in time for the next game is because of the work he puts into his recovery.
The 29-year-old quarterback works extensively on his body during the offseason, which has helped him avoid any major injuries throughout his career.
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Mahomes’ trainer, Bobby Stroupe, is pretty good at his work. Over the years, he has transformed the Chiefs quarterback’s body into something that can recover from injuries faster than other players, leading to skepticism from fans.
It is similar to what we see from LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star, like Mahomes, takes great care of his body and puts in immense work in the offseason to withstand the toughness of the grueling schedule.
Fans on social media platforms love to spin narratives around Mahomes and his team as they are tired of their winning culture. The Chiefs are a modern-day dynasty, and they must endure the criticism from opposing fans just like the New England Patriots did back in the day.
Chiefs Face Pressure From Bills for AFC’s No. 1 Seed
The Chiefs have the best record in the NFL (13-1) and are two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills. There are just three games left in the regular season, but the fight to secure the first seed in the AFC is still on.
Since the Bills have the tiebreaker over Kansas City, the defending Super Bowl champions have to win at least two more games to guarantee a finish with the best record in their conference.
Buffalo also has favorable fixtures left and could easily win out to finish with 14 wins. This is likely a big reason Mahomes has decided to play against the Texans, as he wants to lock up the first seed and get a bye in the playoffs.
Kansas City still has to play the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos after Week 16, and they will need to be at their best to withstand the Bills’ push for the first seed.
