Mahomes Defies Ankle Injury, Keeps Chiefs’ Undefeated Streak Alive in OT Thriller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes once again demonstrated his resilience and grit, shrugging off a recurring ankle injury to lead his team to an impressive overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Despite aggravating his left ankle, which he had injured the previous week, Mahomes powered through the discomfort and played every snap, helping the Chiefs clinch a thrilling 30-24 win that kept their season’s undefeated record intact.
Mahomes acknowledged the pain after the game, describing the incident to ESPN’s Lisa Salters. “I rolled the ankle, I rolled it last week, and when you roll it again, it never feels good,” he said. Nonetheless, he assured fans he’d be ready for the team’s next game against the Denver Broncos, set for Sunday. “We have a short week, but we’ll rehab it up and I’ll be ready to go,” Mahomes said, expressing his commitment to being back on the field.
The injury occurred during a critical moment in the fourth quarter, with Kansas City on a third-and-goal from the 7-yard line. Mahomes scrambled toward the right sideline, assessing his options before spotting running back Samaje Perine in the end zone. He managed to flip a pass to Perine for a touchdown that tied the game, but he landed awkwardly on his left ankle. Mahomes stayed down for a moment before making his way off the field, leaning on team personnel. “I was obviously running for the goal line, kind of had committed to running, and at the last second saw Samaje,” Mahomes explained. “So I awkwardly rolled the ankle a bit. Definitely scary, I think it hurt more just because it was the same ankle I rolled last week.”
The Chiefs’ medical staff quickly assessed Mahomes’ condition. He briefly entered the medical tent but returned to the sideline shortly thereafter, jogging to signal his readiness to re-enter. His reappearance on the field was met with loud cheers from fans at Arrowhead Stadium, a testament to the deep connection Mahomes shares with the Chiefs’ faithful.
Though visibly affected by the injury on some plays, Mahomes continued to lead his team with poise. On his first drive back, he orchestrated a 15-play, 78-yard touchdown march that temporarily gave Kansas City the lead. He later directed another drive in overtime, securing the game-winning touchdown and sealing a memorable night for the Chiefs.
Mahomes finished the game with an impressive 34 completions out of 44 attempts, amassing 291 yards and throwing for three touchdowns. Even after re-injuring his ankle, he managed an 11-of-15 performance for 102 yards and an additional touchdown. His performance not only showcased his skill but also underscored his resilience and commitment to his team.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes’ toughness and unique ability to recover quickly from injuries. “When he was being carried off, that wasn’t too easy; I wasn’t sure exactly where he was going to be with it,” Reid said. “But he might have the loosest ankles in America. I mean, it’s ridiculous how he can come back from those things, and then he’s mentally tough on top of that.”
Mahomes has a history of playing through injuries, a fact well-known among fans and the NFL community. Just two seasons ago, he famously battled through a sprained ankle to lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, cementing his reputation as a quarterback who rises to the occasion. Reflecting on that experience, Mahomes said this rolled ankle didn’t feel nearly as severe, adding that his primary focus will be managing soreness as the Chiefs prepare to face the Broncos.
“This one hurt a lot less,” Mahomes shared, recalling his 2023 Super Bowl injury. “I still have mobility in my ankle and still do after this game, so you just sleep, probably get a little swelling tomorrow, but in a short week you go in there, take care of it, and be prepared to play next week.”
With the win, Kansas City remains undefeated, buoyed by the exceptional play of their star quarterback. Mahomes’ determination to play through injury exemplifies his commitment to his teammates and fans, and his grit will be crucial as the Chiefs move forward in their bid for another championship season. The coming days will be a test of his endurance as he undergoes rehabilitation, but Mahomes has made it clear that he plans to be ready, once again, to lead the Chiefs on Sunday.
