Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives latest injury update on QB Patrick Mahomes' ankle ahead of Week 16 vs. Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their first practice session of the week before their Week 16 match against the Houston Texans on Saturday. The biggest news on everyone's mind is the status of star QB Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a "mild" high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of the Week 15 win over the Cleveland […]

Charles Goldman NFL Managing Editor
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Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field.
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The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their first practice session of the week before their Week 16 match against the Houston Texans on Saturday. 

The biggest news on everyone's mind is the status of star QB Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a "mild" high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns. 

Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke to reporters on Tuesday, confirming that Mahomes would, in fact, practice in some capacity to start the week. Typically, the earliest practice of the week is lighter, with shorts and no helmets for Kansas City.

"Alright, as far as the injuries go, the guys that won't practice today are [Chamarri] Connor and [D.J.] Humphries," Reid said. "We'll see how Pat [Mahomes] does out there, he's going to go through some stuff, and we'll see how that works out for him. And if he can't work, you know, then Carson [Wentz] will take those reps that Pat doesn't. So we have full confidence in Carson If he has to step in and play."

As far as how much Mahomes will need to practice in order to play, Reid says they're just taking things one day at a time. 

"I think this one's a little bit more day-to-day," Reid said. "Let's just see what he does and how he feels. He's always honest with me, so he's going to shoot me straight on it, and I'll be able to see him today's a lighter day, so you can get him, get him in there, and move it around a little."

Asked whether the short turnaround time will play into the decision to start Mahomes in Week 16 or Week 17, Reid kept it real with reporters.

"Listen, if he can go, he'll go. If he can't, then he can't," Reid explained. "I mean, you know, keep it that simple. That's how we'll roll with it. So then I'll just take it day by day and see how he does here."

This isn't the first time that Mahomes has suffered a lower-body ankle injury, but it is the first time he has done so while playing two games with just three days of rest/practice time between them. The Chiefs will likely take a wait-and-see approach with their star quarterback, but it's not unreasonable to think that backup QB Carson Wentz will be prepared to start and play in Week 16.