Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes: Ankle Sprain Not as Bad as Injury in 2022-23 NFL Playoffs

After avoiding injury for the first 13 games of the 2024 campaign, Patrick Mahomes' status for Week 16 is uncertain following an ankle injury late in Sunday's 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes told reporters on Tuesday the ankle injury he suffered in the AFC Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars in January 2023 was worse than this one.

The Chiefs star went on to say he's going to push himself throughout the week to see how his ankle responds, but he doesn't want to put them in a bad position knowing they still have two games after this week to lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Mahomes was replaced by Carson Wentz late in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit on a fourth-down throw in the Chiefs' victory. Head coach Andy Reid said after the game his star quarterback could have continued to play if needed, but "there was no need for that."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high ankle sprain and will be considered week to week.

One big concern is the timing of the injury lining up with the Chiefs' end-of-season schedule. They have to play three games in the span of 10 days, including their win over the Browns. They host the Houston Texans on Saturday, followed by a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

That's a lot of games to be played in a short period of time for a player with an ankle sprain. When Mahomes was injured in the 2022 playoffs, he only had to play one game in between the time he suffered the injury and the Super Bowl. The AFC Championship Game was eight days after he injured his ankle.

Luckily for the Chiefs, potentially being without Mahomes wouldn't hurt them too much. They have already clinched both a playoff spot and the AFC West and have a solid chance of earning the top seed in the AFC as they sit at 13-1 on the year. They are two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills (11-3) in the race for home-field advantage.

Mahomes has had a somewhat disappointing season by his standards as he's recorded 3,348 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Nonetheless, the Chiefs look capable of competing for a Super Bowl and will help to get a fully healthy Mahomes in the postseason.