Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is pushing to play through a high ankle sprain this week, with backup Carson Wentz preparing to step in if necessary.
The Chiefs are set to host the Houston Texans on Saturday, so Mahomes has less time to recover than usual, but he wants to give it a go and will try to practice today.
“I think it’s done good with the treatment,” Mahomes said of his right ankle. “You have to (push it). That’s the reason you play this game, to push to play. I’m not going to put our team in a bad position. It’s about seeing where I’m at. I’m a competitor. I want to go out there and play.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid is in no rush to decide who will start at quarterback on Saturday.
“Let’s just see what he does,” Reid said. “Today’s a lighter day. He’ll talk to me. The doctor will talk to me. If he can go, he’ll go. If he can’t, 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.”
Mahomes was injured late in Sunday’s victory in Cleveland. He was hit low and from behind by Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson before colliding with rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr.
Mahomes said this injury isn’t as severe as the sprain he suffered during the 2022 postseason.
“Jacksonville was worse,” he said. “That one was pretty significant, the way I got caught (underneath). Obviously, it’s responded better quicker.”
If Mahomes needs to sit out, Reid said, “We have full trust in Carson.”
Wentz finished Sunday’s game for Mahomes. He last started a game on Jan. 7, the Rams’ regular-season finale.
“My preparation will stay the same,” Wentz said. “Obviously Patrick has had some nicks and bruises. I think it was beneficial to get out there (on Sunday). I’ve got to see Patrick play at a high level. We have a lot of experiences in that quarterback room.”
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(Photo: Ken Blaze / Imagn Images)
