It was a sight that could send every Chiefs fan into a cold sweat as star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury against the Browns on Sunday. The Kansas City player was injured in the fourth quarter with his team leading 21-7 against Cleveland. A win here cements the Chiefs’ position as the top spot in the AFC with just one loss all year while their contenders, the Bills, play later today against the NFC-leading Lions.
On fourth down, he managed to get rid of the ball just as he was about to be tackled, but then the combined weight of the defenders dragged him and left him in a heap. His lower body looked stuck in an awkward position, and his legs got stuck underneath.
He got up and hobbled away from the game as Carson Wentz took his spot. It is unclear if the decision was made to protect him from further injury with the playoffs coming up or if it was a replacement because he could not carry on.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered an apparent lower-leg injury and Carson Wentz is in at QB for Kansas City. Unclear if KC is protecting Mahomes with a two-score lead or if there's more to it.pic.twitter.com/aoS3WcJDHR
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 15, 2024
During the fourth quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs Week 15 win against the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained on the field for a 4th-and-3 play at Cleveland’s 39-yard line.
Patrick Mahomes dropped back to pass on the fourth down play and was twisted up by two defenders after he threw an incomplete pass. He was helped up by teammates and was visibly in pain as he hobbled toward the sideline.
The Chiefs training staff was spotted taping both of Patrick Mahomes’s ankles on the sideline while backup QB Carson Wentz warmed up. Wentz entered the game on the next offensive series for Kansas City, and Mahomes was listed as questionable to return with an ankle injury, per the CBS broadcast, but never returned to the game.
Up 21-7 with roughly eight minutes remaining in the game, fans took to social media to react to Mahomes getting injured.
“#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes limping off the field after getting crumpled on a fourth down throw. Malpractice for the end of this game to be as mismanaged as it has been on offense,” Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports wrote.
“Patrick Mahomes is heavily limping on his way off the field. I’m not sure why that, of all times, is when you go for a fourth down,” Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star wrote.
“Mahomes getting hurt right when the Chiefs have 3 games in 10 days isn’t great! Really need the Lions to beat the Bills so 15 can get some time off if needed,” Adam Best of Arrowhead Addict wrote.