After capping a regular season that will likely net him his second career MVP award, Patrick Mahomes started the Kansas City Chiefs playoff run with even bigger aspirations — winning his second career Super Bowl.
A poor stroke of injury luck — leading to Chad Henne having to play — may have just put a hitch in those lofty plans.
About halfway through the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, Mahomes tried to make something out of nothing as he always does. But when he got tackled by a group of Jaguars defenders, the superstar QB’s leg got planted in the turf in a painful-looking injury. (Not sharing that video.)
In what was eventually ruled an ankle injury, Mahomes was clearly unhappy to have to leave a crucial playoff game. He was first seen, visibly emotional, telling Kansas City head coach Andy Reid, “I’m good.”
Patrick Mahomes: "Don't take me out."
A discussion on the sidelines with Andy Reid and the trainer.pic.twitter.com/nJlCLrDl5m
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 21, 2023
In the interest of protecting their player, Reid and the Chiefs’ training staff let more rational minds prevail and had Mahomes sent to the locker room for further evaluation. This … did not sit well with Mahomes, who threw his coat in frustration in reaction:
Mahomes is PISSED he was sent to the locker room.pic.twitter.com/vxzh2xkQ0P
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 21, 2023
After finishing a historic comeback win against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Jaguars had to be thanking their lucky stars the incomparable Mahomes might not return to their playoff battle. (He was later ruled questionable to return.) Pre-game expectations had the Jaguars as almost 10-point road underdogs — a clear sign that bettors expected the Chiefs to advance to their fifth straight AFC title game relatively comfortably.
But those odds undoubtedly factored in Mahomes playing all four quarters, not the backup Henne. With Mahomes potentially sitting out for the rest of the matchup, the door appeared open for a Jaguars’ upset.
For what it’s worth, Henne — with Isiah Pacheco’s help — would actually lead the Chiefs on a late second-quarter touchdown drive. He just probably has to do that a few more times to get the AFC favorite to advance to Championship Sunday.
NFL fans appreciated Mahomes' emotions and frustrations for having to leave a playoff game
Wow this guy loves football https://t.co/OFyy2jnhhD
— In The Trenches NFL (@InTheTrenchesPC) January 21, 2023
Good decision. https://t.co/9sMoMgx6RM
— chelsey✨ (@_ctierra) January 21, 2023
I mean…you’re barely moving around out on the field, sir. Go get checked out. https://t.co/KBnOzZ78WE
— Sha’Wanda Maximoff (@Jazs_Ray) January 21, 2023
This is exactly how you want your leader to react https://t.co/XroiTjjmf2
— Pat Lane (@plane_pats) January 21, 2023
I feel you man🥲 https://t.co/qcn9pSSDlH
— Sammy (@sammy______G) January 21, 2023
It's the right call. He needs looked at & if he's gonna return at all should be after halftime. #ChiefsKingdom https://t.co/pq0nbGALmg
— Ken Harris (@kensgotbs) January 21, 2023
Damn you work forever to be in this position you kinda feel for the guy https://t.co/57POKzqxxP
— Championship Caliber Justus General 🫶🏾 (@JA17MVP) January 21, 2023
I would be as well. If I want to play I'm playin https://t.co/vvA5PozOcr
— Jacob Scholl (@rhcpvikings) January 21, 2023
