Jay Glazer of Fox Sports posted a quick report on Sunday of the health of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, one that provided the most in-depth understanding of Mahomes’ multiple injuries in the week between the AFC’s Divisional Round and the AFC Championship.
Specifically, Mahomes injured both his head and his foot against the Cleveland Browns in the Chiefs’ 22-17 win last Sunday. Mahomes was cleared of the NFL’s concussion protocol on Friday, although Glazer says it was never a classic concussion at work. Instead it was a blockage of the carotid artery.
The inside story on Patrick Mahomes injuries and good news for the Chiefs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be back in the line up for the #Chiefs today. @NFLonFOX #TBvsGB #NFLPlayoffs #Update #NFCChampionship pic.twitter.com/2VlLGxXdIx
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 24, 2021
Even more importantly, Glazer details the foot injury, which Adam Schefter reported early on Sunday was actually turf toe. Here’s Glazer on the injury:
"“It’s the toe that they’re very concerned about, so much so that they had to put a special orthotic in that shoe with carbon fiber to protect it. That is what they’re concerned about. Probably gonna need some surgery for that, could need some surgery for that in the offseason.”"
Mahomes suffered that injury in the first quarter against the Browns and was noticeably in pain when trying to throw multiple times thereafter. It also seemed to affect his accuracy on throws to his left, although Mahomes clearly was effective when in the game before ultimately leaving in the third quarter due to the head injury.
The Chiefs were able to work out Mahomes in practice this week, albeit on a limited basis, but Andy Reid has stated he’s good to go. You can also be sure that the team is using whatever technology and means they have to protect that foot and make sure Mahomes feels good to go.
Mahomes was named to the Pro Bowl once again after an incredible 2020 season that featured 4,740 passing yards (a league-leading 316 yards/game) and 38 passing touchdowns against only 6 interceptions.