The Chiefs’ hopes for a perfect season were still intact entering Monday night’s game against the undermanned Buccaneers, but their focus shifted far away from the standings in the fourth quarter.
QB Patrick Mahomes had to be helped up and helped off the field after suffering an apparent lower-leg injury on a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine, tying the game at 17.
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Mahomes appeared to be in significant pain, though he was able to walk off under his own power by the time he approached the sideline. Still, it was enough for the Chiefs to see their season — and their hopes of a Super Bowl three-peat — flash before their eyes.
Here’s what you need to know about Mahomes’ injury suffered on “Monday Night Football.”
Patrick Mahomes injury update
Mahomes suffered what the Chiefs described as an ankle injury on the touchdown pass, but he was cleared to return to the game after a brief checkup on the sidelines.
It was a non-contact injury, which sparked immediate concern about the severity. Mahomes appeared to take an awkward step on the touchdown to Perine, and he was visibly shaken up as he sat on the field while his teammates celebrated.
Nevertheless, Mahomes was able to get back on the field in a tied game. The two-time MVP is no stranger to playing through ankle injuries, as he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the divisional round two seasons ago but only missed a small portion of the game and ultimately led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win.
After the game, Mahomes confirmed he simply rolled his ankle and told ESPN that it was an aggravation of an injury from a week earlier.
“I rolled it last week, and when you roll it again it never feels good,” Mahomes said, adding that it felt better with time. The reigning Super Bowl MVP confirmed he will be ready to play against the Broncos on Sunday.
Mahomes also told reporters that Andy Reid initially told him to stay out, but he thought he was joking.
Mahomes has only missed two games in his NFL career, both coming during the 2019 season after a midseason knee injury. Not only did he get back on the field, but he led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years that February.
