In a potentially playoff-altering turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Saturday’s Divisional Round. Mahomes initially stayed in the game after injuring his ankle near the end of the first quarter, then headed to the locker room in the second quarter.
Update: Mahomes has returned and is under center to begin the third quarter.
Patrick Mahomes Suffers Ankle Injury in Divisional Round
Mahomes’ right leg was awkwardly bent back under a defender as he was taken to the ground following a pass attempt. On the next play, Mahomes was noticeably limping as he handed the ball off to Jerick McKinnon.
After the Chiefs’ drive ended with a field goal, Mahomes had his ankle wrapped on the sideline. He subsequently had an animated conversation with head coach Andy Reid, then headed to Kansas City’s locker room for examination.
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As Chad Henne took over under center, Mahomes reappeared on the sideline but has not yet re-entered the game. Kansas City has officially labeled him questionable to return.
Although X-Rays were negative, Mahomes appears to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Typically, such an injury would knock a player out for several weeks, but Mahomes may be willing to play through it given the gravity of the postseason.
After the Jaguars pinned Henne and the Chiefs at their own 2-yard line, the 37-year-old backup lead KC on a 12-play scoring drive to give his club a 17-7 lead.
Two years ago, Henne replaced Mahomes in a Divisional Round game against the Cleveland Browns after the Chiefs’ starter suffered a concussion. Henne completed six of eight attempts for 66 yards and an interception as Kansas City retain its lead. Mahomes was back on the field for the AFC Championship Game the following week.