What Andy Reid’s latest update on Patrick Mahomes means for the Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave an update on Patrick Mahomes injury heading into the AFC Championship Game.

Patrick Mahomes injury will be covered like the moon landing this week, though the Chiefs quarterback has said he will play barring anything unforeseen.

Kansas City has a tough test against the Cincinnati Bengals — a team that has looked every bit like the defending AFC champions so far this postseason.

Mahomes health will determine Kansas City’s fate against the Bengals, make no mistake about it. The $500 million man is the best quarterback in football, and he has no competition when the play breaks down and has to escape the pocket. That escapability will be limited this weekend.

Andy Reid gives update on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

If Mahomes is hampered in any way and has to miss time, the Chiefs will turn to backup quarterback Chad Henne, who is a veteran out of Michigan. Henne led a 98-yard drive on Saturday against the Jaguars prior to Mahomes return.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, “Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters that QB Patrick Mahomes “worked hard on the treatment and is doing OK.” Asked about his status, Reid says he’s “gonna play” and that this isn’t as serious as the one Mahomes suffered in 2019.”

Kansas City’s offense will adjust to Mahomes limited mobility. The Chiefs could add extra protection in the form of an added tight end, or increased usage by a solid blocking back like Jerick McKinnon. Isiah Pacheco should see more carries, as well.

“It feels better than I thought it was going to be now,” Mahomes said after the 27-20 victory, per ESPN. “Obviously, I have a lot of adrenaline going right now, so we’ll see how it feels. But I’ll hop right in the treatment and try to do whatever I can to be as close to 100% by next week. Luckily for us, we played the early game on Saturday, so we get an extra almost half a day that I can let that ankle rest.”

Mahomes is going to play, one way or another. The question will be how effective he is.