Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shot down thoughts that he would not be available for Sunday’s high-stakes AFC Championship Game.
Shortly after coach Andy Reid told reporters that Mahomes would likely participate fully in Wednesday’s practice, the quarterback stepped to the podium and revealed that his injured ankle is on the mend. .
“It’s going well. A few days of treatment, a few days of rehab,” the MVP candidate said. “Excited to get on the practice field and see where I’m at. But, feeling good so far.”
Mahomes, who suffered a high ankle sprain during the first half of Saturday’s 27-20 Divisional Round playoff win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, began treatment for the sprain shortly after the victory and has maintained That they will be on the football field for the AFC Championship. .
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks down the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium at GEHA Field on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
“I was able to run some extra tests, just to make sure everything was OK the night after the game. And then get some things done to help kind of start the treatment,” Mahomes said. “And then the next few days are kind of an all-day thing where you’re either doing therapy, or rehab, or watching film.”
“But it’s an all-day thing where you’re trying to make sure you’re mentally and physically ready for the Bengals and a great football team, obviously.”
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter in an AFC divisional playoff game on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(David Yulett/Getty Images)
Mahomes was able to return to the game in the second half against Jacksonville, but his style of play changed significantly. He led the league in passes from outside the pocket during the regular season, but remained between the tackles for the rest of the divisional round game.
In Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season, Mahomes sprained his left ankle, while Saturday’s injury was in his right ankle.
“Especially when you have different ankles at the quarterback position, you’re planting and throwing different things,” Mahomes said. “So, the last one, it was the leg that I landed on, so I had to find other ways where I could land and put it in the right place. Push and still be able to throw properly. So , definitely similar in a sense but different limitations and things that I have to go through.”
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at GEHA Field on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Photo by Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
The five-time Pro Bowler noted that his right ankle is feeling better than expected, but admitted he will have to work around the injury during Sunday’s game.
“I’m going to push a little bit today, and then the next day, and then the next day again and see what I can do to not aggravate the injury, obviously, but to see what I can do. . has to do it on Sunday,” Mahomes said.