Mahomes returns after exiting in first half with ankle injury

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes returns vs. Jags after exiting game in first half with ankle injury

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/21/23

The Kansas City Chiefs might have dodged a bullet.

Near the end of the first quarter in Saturday's divisional-round playoff matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Patrick Mahomes came up limp after a hit, eventually leaving the game, briefly giving way to backup Chad Henne.

However, after sitting out the rest of the first half, Mahomes heroically returned to lead the Chiefs' first drive of the second half.

The Chiefs officially listed Mahomes as questionable to return Saturday. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, X-rays were negative on Mahomes' ankle, but it appears he suffered a high-ankle sprain.

X-Rays were negative, source said. That's the good news. But it does appear to be a high-ankle sprain for Patrick Mahomes. https://t.co/nGJTkeg07h
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2023

Mahomes suffered the injury with 2:21 left in the opening quarter. While two Jaguars defenders converged on Mahomes, Jacksonville defensive end Arden Key appeared to land on the quarterback's left ankle, bending it awkwardly.

Prayers up to Patrick Mahomes as he came up limping here on this play.pic.twitter.com/tRHnkT3x1J
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 21, 2023

After having his ankle taped up on the sidelines, Mahomes stayed in the game to finish the Chiefs' drive. However, following an animated conversation with head coach Andy Reid and trainers, an irate Mahomes begrudgingly headed to the locker room for further tests.

Patrick Mahomes is headed to the locker room
pic.twitter.com/TZcjuYGxeZ
— PFF (@PFF) January 21, 2023

Even without Mahomes, albeit for a short time, the Chiefs offense didn't miss a beat with Henne under center. Henne led the Chiefs on a 12-play, 98-yard scoring drive in his first series, completing five of seven passes, including a one-yard toss to tight end Travis Kelce for a touchdown.

Mahomes will seemingly tough Saturday night's division-round playoff out. Still, if the Chiefs advance to the conference championship, the quarterback's left ankle will almost certainly be a topic of conversation throughout the week.

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