Patrick Mahomes is just one of several injury concerns for Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes

It all begins here, obviously, and for good reason. Patrick Mahomes is the best player in the National Football League, so the level of a potential loss here cannot be overstated.

Mahomes has been the league’s best player since his arrival in the starter’s role in Kansas City, and just last year, he was awarded the Super Bowl MVP trophy for his efforts on the biggest stage of all. His ability to come back from virtually any deficit turned heads of even the most casual fan during last year’s run, and the Chiefs really have a chance to build something special with this year’s team.

Of course, if Mahomes is unable to go, it affects everything. Opposing defensive coordinators will challenge Chad Henne to beat them deep—as they should—if Henne is unable to go. In addition, Reid himself will likely be limited in his own game plan, knowing the level of instinctive greatness simply isn’t there in anyone else. That’s not any slight on Henne. That would be a true statement no matter who occupied the backup quarterback role in K.C.

At this point, Reid is saying all the right things about Mahomes’ health, but the concussion protocol is in place to force teams to play it safe. Mahomes is going to have to show that he’s truly healthy by passing numerous checks over the next few days, which means we will be talking about Mahomes’ health for some time.

Oh yeah, there’s also that toe injury.