Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an apparent injury to his throwing elbow during the Week 9 game against the New York Jets. The injury happened late in the first half and briefly sent Mahomes to the sideline with the Chiefs’ training staff.

It was a scary moment for Kansas City because the injury involved Mahomes’ right elbow. However, it didn’t keep the star quarterback off the field for long.

How Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes injured his elbow vs. the Jets

The play came on second-and-10 at Kansas City’s 37-yard line. Mahomes dropped back to pass and was sacked for a 10-yard loss by Jets rookie David Bailey.

Mahomes got pinned between Bailey and Will McDonald on the play. His right elbow was bent backward awkwardly as he went to the turf. Mahomes also fumbled on the sack, and New York recovered the football.

When Mahomes got back up, he was holding his elbow. He limped off to the sideline as the Jets took over possession.

What Mahomes did on the sideline with the Chiefs’ training staff

Once he reached the sideline, Mahomes started throwing the football to loosen up his elbow. Members of the Chiefs’ training staff examined him at the same time. They had him run through some motions, including twisting his wrist and his elbow.

Mahomes was still grimacing as he went through those movements. That wasn’t the most encouraging sight for Kansas City. But then he put his helmet back on.

When the Chiefs got the ball back near the end of the first half, Mahomes went back out. Kansas City could have turned to backup quarterback Justin Fields, who previously played quarterback for the Jets. Instead, the Chiefs put Mahomes back in.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t capitalize on his toughness. He got them into field goal range. Harrison Butker missed back-to-back attempts from 50+ yards after the Jets gave him a second chance with an offsides penalty.

What Mahomes’ return means for the Chiefs

Speaking to CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson before heading into the locker room for halftime, Chiefs HC Andy Reid says that Mahomes “hurt his elbow a little bit.” He said it was sore, but didn’t indicate it’d be a lingering issue.

Based on his quick return, the injury didn’t appear significant or severe enough to keep him out of the game. Mahomes has a long track record of playing through injuries, and this was another example of his toughness.

Given it was his throwing elbow, returning before halftime makes it likely this is a minor issue. He did return to the field after the second-half kickoff, further suggesting the injury is minor.

Mahomes didn’t play it safe once he got back out there, either. Even while facing pressure ahead of halftime, he took off running and absorbed some hits. That’s not something you’d expect from a quarterback trying to protect an injured arm, and he showed the rest of the NFL his toughness in the process.

The question is whether the elbow holds up as the game goes on. More information on Mahomes’ status should come during the second half, and I’ll have updates on his condition as they become available.