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The Kansas City Chiefs are barreling toward the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 13-1 record, but a fresh injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes has raised questions about their postseason chances.
While the Chiefs remain a powerhouse, the latest injury setback could complicate their journey to Super Bowl 59.
In the Chiefs' recent 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes suffered what is feared to be a high-ankle sprain. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter, and Mahomes did not return to the game. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz finished the match in his place, with Mahomes now considered week-to-week. This development could have significant implications for Kansas City's Super Bowl aspirations.
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The reigning MVP is no stranger to playing through pain. He famously battled through an ankle injury in Super Bowl 57, where he was named MVP, but this time the Chiefs' management may take a more cautious approach given the stakes. The team has games against the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, and the question is whether Mahomes will be healthy enough to lead the offense.
Mahomes is worried about the injury
Despite the injury, Mahomes remains optimistic about his recovery, though he its it is too early to determine how much time he will miss.
"It's hard to say right now," Mahomes explained after the game.
"You still have the adrenaline rolling, and usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it. I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances, but I thought the smart decision was to put Carson Wentz in."
Although Mahomes is dealing with what might be one of the more difficult regular seasons of his career, with 239.1 ing yards per game, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, the Chiefs have managed to remain two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC standings. If Mahomes can recover and get back to full strength, the Chiefs are still very much in the running for a Super Bowl appearance and possibly even an unprecedented three-peat.
Kansas City's schedule doesn't afford much time for Mahomes to recover. With the Texans on Saturday and the Steelers on Christmas Day, the Chiefs face a tight turnaround. Despite this, Mahomes is focused on rehab and treatment, determined to give himself the best chance to play.
"You just do what you have to do to get back, and I think that's the most important thing," he said.
"Now we just get back to the rehab part, the treatment part, and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team."