The Kansas City Chiefs appear to have avoided the worst after Patrick Mahomes took a scary hit in Week 9 against the New York Jets.
Mahomes was struck hard on his right arm when rookie edge rusher David Bailey got to him on a sack, and at the time it looked like the kind of play that could change everything for Kansas City. He did return to the game, which eased the panic a bit, but there was still plenty of concern once it was over.
That concern has started to fade. On Wednesday, Andy Reid told reporters, including Charles Goldman from A to Z Sports, that Mahomes is expected to be a full participant in practice. Reid also said Mahomes is throwing the ball well, a strong sign that the injury is not considered serious.
"Chiefs HC Andy Reid anticipates full participation from QB Patrick Mahomes (elbow). Says he’s throwing the ball well," Goldman reports.
For the Chiefs, that is about as good as it gets after a hit that initially looked much worse. The early tests were encouraging, and Reid’s update only adds to the sense that Kansas City escaped a real problem.
It also points Mahomes toward Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. He may not have to carry the load through the air if Kenneth Walker III and Emmett Johnson keep doing what they’ve done on the ground this season, but the bigger takeaway is simpler than that: Mahomes looks on track to be out there.
And with Josh Downs now in the mix after the trade deadline move, the Chiefs offense seems to be heading into the second half of the regular season in good shape.
In Other News...
Travis Kelce Had An Immediate Reaction To Chiefs WR Move
The Chiefs added another receiving option to their offense, landing Josh Downs from the Colts in a deal that sends Kansas City a package of future draft picks. Downs arrives with some production already on his rsum, having caught 33 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown in nine games before the move, and the timing of the trade made it a natural topic when Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce were talking on their podcast.
Travis Kelces reaction came right away as the news broke in real time, giving Chiefs fans an instant glimpse at how one of the teams most important voices views the move. For Kansas City, the trade is another sign the front office is still looking for ways to keep the passing game fresh, and Downs now steps into a receiver room where every new piece gets a close look. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs Rookie Class Is Starting To Look Like A Massive Draft Win
The Chiefs decision to move up to No. 6 for Mansoor Delane is already looking like the kind of draft gamble that can reshape a class. Even with three games missed because of a shoulder injury, the rookie corner has been one of the more encouraging young pieces in Kansas City, giving the defense immediate value from a pick that came with plenty of expectation attached.
Delane is not the only first-year player helping the Chiefs feel better about the haul. Running back Emmett Johnson and several other rookies have also drawn notice for their early-season contributions, giving Kansas City a rookie group that has done more than just fill out the depth chart. For a team always chasing edges, that kind of early return can matter just as much as the headline move that brought Delane to town. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs Suddenly Have A Return Game Question Fans Didn't Expect
The Chiefs made a roster move for Josh Downs that came with a wrinkle on special teams, parting ways with defensive end Jack Pyburn and returner Nikko Remigio to clear space for the receiver they acquired from the Colts. Pyburn had not seen the field since joining Kansas City, but Remigio was a more notable cut because he had been handling the teams return duties and had recently been contributing in that role.
Kansas City could still try to bring both players back on the practice squad, which would soften the blow if they clear waivers. Even so, Remigios release leaves an immediate question for a team that has leaned on stability in the return game, and it is the kind of move that can ripple beyond the headline trade if the Chiefs do not have a clean answer lined up. [Read more 🡒]