Patrick Mahomes Set to Start Against Texans Despite Injury Concerns
In the world of professional football, few names resonate as powerfully as Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback is not just a player; he’s a phenomenon. So, when news broke that Mahomes would be starting in Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, despite sustaining a high ankle injury last Sunday, it was a headline that caught everyone’s attention.
For those who might have missed it, Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The injury was significant enough to see him replaced by Carson Wentz for the remainder of the game. Yet, in a testament to his resilience and determination, Mahomes has no injury status for the upcoming game.
Andy Reid’s Confidence in Mahomes
Chiefs coach Andy Reid, a seasoned veteran in the NFL, provided an update on Mahomes’ condition earlier this week. Reid confirmed that Mahomes took a full practice workload on Thursday, which was the Chiefs’ final session of the week. Impressively, Mahomes was also a full participant in the Tuesday and Wednesday practices.
“He did look good out there,” Reid remarked. “He moved around pretty good. So, you’re always looking to make sure they can get out the way, not to further any harm to them. So that’s what I look at.”
Reid’s confidence in Mahomes is not unfounded. “I’ve been through it with him before, and he amazed me every time he does it. The guy, he’s been so mentally tough and just puts it into a mindset that he has going into it [from] where he was a few days ago,” Reid added.
Teammates Weigh In
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, when asked about Mahomes’ performance in practice this week, simply said, “Like he always does.” It’s a statement that speaks volumes about Mahomes’ consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Challenges on the Offensive Line
While Mahomes’ return is a significant boost for the Chiefs, the team is not without its challenges. The Chiefs have ruled left tackle D.J. Humphries out of Saturday’s game. Humphries has been struggling with a hamstring injury that knocked him out of a Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also missed last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns.
In Humphries’ absence, the Chiefs have had to make adjustments. Joe Thuney, usually their starting left guard, was used at left tackle against the Browns. Before recently signing Humphries, the Chiefs had Wanya Morris or rookie Kingsley Suamataia as their left tackle, but both players were benched during games at various points.
What to Expect on Game Day
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Texans, all eyes will be on Mahomes. His ability to play through pain and deliver exceptional performances is well-documented. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he handles the pressure and whether he can lead the Chiefs to another victory.
For the Texans, facing a Mahomes-led Chiefs team is a daunting task. The quarterback’s presence on the field changes the dynamics of the game, and the Texans will need to bring their A-game to compete.
- Patrick Mahomes will start against the Houston Texans.
- Mahomes has no injury status for the game.
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid is confident in Mahomes’ ability to perform.
- Left tackle D.J. Humphries is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
- Joe Thuney will likely fill in at left tackle.
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds. Will Mahomes’ return be the catalyst for another Chiefs victory, or will the Texans find a way to capitalize on the Chiefs’ challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: it’s going to be an exciting matchup.
Originally Written by: ESPN
