KANSAS City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s plan for the injured Patrick Mahomes has been revealed.
The star quarterback suffered a mild high ankle sprain in Week 15 – and Kansas City doesn’t have much time to decide if he’ll be able to play Saturday versus the Houston Texans.
Chiefs offensive linemen Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor help up Patrick Mahomes, who got injured after a hit during the team’s 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday[/caption]
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference after the Week 15 game[/caption]
Patrick Mahomes suffered the injury during the second half of the contest against the Cleveland Browns.
He was hit by multiple Cleveland defenders high and low as he let go of an incomplete pass.
Reports have indicated that Mahomes’ injury is “week-to-week” and that he could miss the Week 16 game.
However, Chiefs radio announcer Mitchel Holthus made his opinion clear concerning what he believes the team will do with the three-time NFL MVP.
“If Mahomes is cleared to play, he will play,” Holthus said during a radio appearance on 96.5 The Fan.
He did add, however, that, “I’ve never seen this coaching staff or this athletic training staff ever force a guy back from an injury.
“They have gone out of their way to show discretion. They will not hurry a guy back and risk further injury.
“So if Pat can’t go, he won’t go.”
Holthus finished his thoughts on the topic by saying that the next few games “are way too important to try to get the bye” and emphasized that capturing the No. 1 seed will result in just one contest in 24 days.
Reid spoke to reporters on Tuesday and revealed an injury update on Mahomes.
“We’ll see how Pat does. He’s going to go through some stuff and we’ll see how it works out for him,” he said, per NBC Sports.
Reid also said that the team won’t factor the short turnaround from Saturday’s game to their Christmas contest versus the Pittsburgh Steelers into their plans with Mahomes
“If he can go, he’ll go,” the 66-year-old said. “If he can’t, then he can’t. It’s that simple. That’s how we’ll roll. I’ll just take it day by day and see how he does.”
Kansas City’s latest win pushed their record to 13-1.
A win against the Texans and a Buffalo Bills loss or ties will lock them up as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The same outcome can take place if the Chiefs tie with the Texans and Buffalo loses to New England.
As a result, they would have a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Kansas City does have scheduling chaos, however, as they will have a short week versus the 9-5 Texans, and then four days to prepare to play the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
With Mahomes’ status uncertain, the Chiefs could turn to backup Carson Wentz to start in Week 16.
He replaced the injured Mahomes during last weekend’s game and completed all of his two completion attempts for 20 yards.
Reid looks on during Kansas City’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field in Week 14[/caption]
