The Chiefs could be without Patrick Mahomes when they play the Texans on Saturday.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday “After testing, Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high ankle sprain and is still considered week-to-week,” Mahomes announced after leaving Sunday's game against the Browns.
After Saturday's game against the Texans, the Chiefs will play the Steelers next Wednesday as part of the Netflix Christmas doubleheader.
The Chiefs' backup quarterback is veteran Carson Wentz, who started one game with the Rams last season and seven games with the Commanders in 2022.
The Chiefs are 12-1 and have won two Super Bowls.
The ankle has been a recurring issue for Mahomes, who has continued to perform at an elite level despite limping.
In a game against the Bucs in November, Mahomes fell awkwardly on a touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine.
It was the second week in a row that he tweaked his ankle.
“It's definitely scary,” Mahomes told reporters at the time. “It was the same ankle I twisted last week, so I think it hurt more, so it was a little scary.
“When you don't know exactly what's going to happen and you feel sharp pain, you always fear the worst.”
Mahomes also suffered a high ankle sprain during the 2022-23 playoff game against the Jaguars.
“That game in the playoffs a few years ago showed me a little bit of what it's like when I get tackled,” Mahomes said earlier this season. “I got caught and it hurt even more. [This time] I was able to move and my ankle was still able to move and still will be after this game. It might be a little swollen tomorrow. But it's a short week so you can go in there and take care of it and get ready to play next week. ”
Despite this, Mahomes was able to return to the Super Bowl, where the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35.
