Chiefs clear Patrick Mahomes for AFC title game; Travis Kelce (back) questionable

If there had been any lingering doubt about star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ injury status, it was put to rest Friday when Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes will start Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals.

Mahomes suffered a right ankle injury, reported to be a high ankle sprain, in last Saturday’s divisional round victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“He’s moving around (well),” Reid told reporters. “He can go out and play.”

Mahomes was injured when Arden Key of the Jacksonville Jaguars landed on his right leg during the first quarter of the divisional round. Mahomes fell awkwardly under the weight of Key’s body and missed the second quarter before returning for the second half of the 27-20 victory.

Mahomes first tested the leg in practice on Wednesday and was a full participant in practice all week. He carries no designation on Kansas City’s final injury report of the week.

“When we get in the game, you know adrenaline is going to take over and you can make those throws when you need to,” he said earlier in the week.

Mahomes is a finalist for NFL MVP honors after passing for 41 touchdowns and a career-high 5,250 yards during the regular season. He won the league MVP award in 2018.

Three Chiefs players are listed as questionable for the game, two of whom only popped up on the report Friday: tight end Travis Kelce (back) and wide receiver Justin Watson (illness). Kelce was a full participant in practice while Watson sat out.

Another pass-catcher, receiver Mecole Hardman, is questionable with a pelvis injury. He was limited in all three days of practice.

–Field Level Media

(c) Copyright Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved. 2023