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The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Patrick Mahomes to start Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans, but backup quarterback Carson Wentz is ready to step in if Mahomes’ ankle injury sidelines him. Head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Wentz’s ability to lead the team if needed.
“We have full confidence in Carson,” coach Andy Reid said. “If he has to step in and play, then I think everybody, coaches and players, has full confidence that he can go in and do a nice job. “He’s started in the league and been successful. He’s got a great feel for this offense. Very smart, big arm. I like the way he carries himself. I like everything about him. He should be starting in this league somewhere, so he’s a heck of a player.”
Mahomes Progressing but Cautious
Mahomes injured his right ankle during Sunday’s 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns but remains optimistic about his recovery. He described this injury as less severe than a similar high ankle sprain he sustained in the 2022 playoffs against Jacksonville.
“That [injury] was pretty significant,” Mahomes said. “But I want to be in a better spot than I was in that next game going up against the Bengals. So, I’ll try to see if I can get there.
“I want to be able to move. I want to be able to get out of the way. [Houston’s] is a good pass rush, a good defense. They fly around. You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way. Obviously, it’s football and you’re going to take hits, but you want to be able to protect yourself. So that’ll be where I’m at and I don’t want to limit the game plan. That’s another thing for me is I want to be able to move around the pocket so we’re not just sitting in one spot the whole entire game and letting their D-line really get after it. It’s about me finding that balance and seeing where I’m at … I won’t know until kind of close to the end of this week.”
Mahomes was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice, but his status for Saturday remains uncertain.
Playoff Implications
The Chiefs, sitting at 13-1, have already clinched the AFC West and a playoff berth. However, they are chasing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, which includes a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Two wins in their final three games will secure the top seed. While a loss to the Texans wouldn’t eliminate their chances, victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos in the final weeks would still lock up the top spot.
“I wouldn’t say it’s dire that I play,” Mahomes said. “It’s not in the AFC Championship Game where we’re playing to get to the Super Bowl. We have a little room to spare, but at the end of the day, we’re trying to win. We’re trying to win the football game and I’m a competitor. I want to go out there and play, so I’ll push myself to get to the best place possible over these next few days and we’ll be able to make a decision then.
“I’m not going to put our team in a bad position. If I feel like I can play and go out there and win a football game, I’ll play. And if I don’t feel like that’s the best-case scenario, I’ll let guys like Carson play. He’s a guy that’s winning this league as well, so it’s just about pushing it this week, seeing where I’m at and making the best decision.”
Wentz Ready to Step Up
Carson Wentz, in his first season with the Chiefs, replaced Mahomes during the fourth quarter of the Browns game. Reid praised Wentz’s abilities and even shared that Mahomes believes Wentz deserves a starting role elsewhere in the NFL.
“Patrick has asked me why Carson isn’t starting somewhere,” Reid said. “Selfishly, we’d like to keep him here, but we know how good he is. He’s a talented quarterback, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s starting somewhere next season.”
The Chiefs are focused on preparing both Mahomes and Wentz for Saturday’s matchup, ensuring they’re ready for whatever challenges the Texans present. With postseason ambitions at stake, the team remains confident in their ability to succeed, regardless of who takes the snaps.
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This report used information from ESPN.
