Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed media members via Zoom teleconference on Monday.
Obviously, the big thing on everyone’s mind is the status of star QB Patrick Mahomes who suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC divisional round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reid opened things up by confirming that Mahomes did, in fact, suffer a high ankle sprain.
“As far as injuries go, really Patrick (Mahomes) is the main one,” Reid said. “As you guys know he hurt his ankle. It’s been reported that it’s a high ankle sprain. So, that’s pretty accurate.”
Mahomes said following the game that he’d immediately start treatment for the ankle injury. Reid confirmed he’s been receiving treatment and working hard at it. Mahomes remains in the mindset that he’s going to be able to play in the AFC title game.
“Yeah, no he told you guys, he mentioned it to you that he’s going to play,” Reid said. “That’s his mindset and then we’ll just take it day by day and see how he does.”
Reid was then asked if he was preparing for Mahomes to play and whether they’d need to change the game plan if he didn’t play. He was rather indirect with his comments.
“Yeah, well the game plan part, we don’t have to do much either way,” Reid said. “As far as the reps, I have to see how he feels, you know, when we get ready for practice there.”
Ahead of the AFC Championship Game in 2020-21, the Chiefs ramped up Mahomes’ workload as he dealt with a turf toe injury. Reid said there’s a chance this practice week could look like that, but it all depends on how Mahomes is feeling when they get to that juncture.
“Yeah, that’s a possibility,” Reid said. “It’s just too early to tell you. I’m going to see how he’s doing when we get to that Wednesday practice and see where he’s at.”
Asked how this ankle sprain compares to the one Mahomes suffered in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season, Reid gave a positive update.
“I think this one isn’t quite as bad as that one,” Reid said. “They’re similar. (It’s) sore, but not quite the same.”
After suffering that sprain in Week 1, Mahomes went on to throw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.
Would it be possible for Mahomes to go the whole week without practice and still play? Reid said yes, but didn’t know how effective he might be given that Mahomes had never done that before.
“Yeah, possibly, I think so,” Reid said. “He’s never done that, so I don’t have an answer for you on that.”
It’s safe to say that there is still a lot up in the air this early in the week, but things are certainly not as bad as they could have been with this particular injury. He avoided any fractures or ligament damage and he seems to be taking well to treatment so far.
We’ll hear from Reid again ahead of practice on Wednesday, where he’s likely to provide another update on Mahomes’ status.
