Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Battles Injury, Reveals Ultimatum Given by Team

By | Bullscore 27 Jan, 2023

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Battles Injury, Reveals Ultimatum Given by Team

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes revealed an ultimatum given to him by the team after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday’s divisional-round win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mahomes, who was listed as questionable to return shortly after the injury, sat out the entire second quarter before returning to finish the game after the break.

Mahomes, who appeared visibly upset after leaving the game, told NBC Sports reporter Melissa Stark that the Chiefs staff gave him an ultimatum after his exit: either go to the locker room or not play again. “I didn’t want to go,” said Mahomes. “They presented me with an ultimatum, stating that I wouldn’t be able to return to the game unless I went to the locker room, but it would take a lot to keep me away from the game.”

Patrick Mahomes on going to the locker room:

"I did not want to go, they kind of gave me the ultimatum of I was not going back in the game unless I went in the locker room – it's going to take a lot to keep me out of a football game." pic.twitter.com/lsyHwCYfuj
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) January 22, 2023

Coach’s Perspective: Andy Reid addresses Mahomes’ Injury

Andy Reid, the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, also addressed the issue of getting Mahomes to go to the locker room for an evaluation. “First and foremost, getting him out of the game was difficult. Reid said,” He was determined to play, despite the injury”

“He returned and said he felt well enough to be safe. That is the most important consideration. And he felt confident that his mobility would allow him to do so. … It was a short leash, so if I thought he couldn’t handle it, he’d be let go.”

Mahomes’ injury occurred after Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Arden Key landed on his ankle as the quarterback attempted to evade pressure in the pocket with 2:40 remaining in the first quarter. As the team began to assess Mahomes, the 27-year-old appeared visibly frustrated about having to leave the game to go to the locker room, slamming his coat down before leaving with trainers. Mahomes later returned to the sideline with his helmet and stood by as backup Chad Henne led the way.

Mahomes’ X-rays were negative, but the team has yet to diagnose him. Despite this, Mahomes reassured fans that he would be good to go. Before exiting the game, Mahomes engineered two scoring drives that gave the Chiefs an early 10-7 lead. He finished the game with a total of 22 completed passes out of 30 attempts for 195 yards and two touchdowns.