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Patrick Mahomes avoids major hand injury, is expected to play in Week 15

Chris Cwik
·Staff writer

The holidays came early for Kansas City Chiefs fans. Patrick Mahomes will not miss any time after awkwardly falling on his throwing hand during Week 14’s win over the New England Patriots, Andy Reid confirmed Monday.

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The 24-year-old Mahomes suffered the injury on the team’s second offensive drive of the game. He was able to return, though Mahomes was limited by the injury.

Following the contest, Mahomes reportedly underwent X-rays, which came back negative. To be safe, the team sent him for additional tests Monday, and came away with good news. Mahomes does not have any fractures, and is expected to start for the Chiefs in Week 15.

That comes as welcome news for Chiefs fans, who watched their team not only beat the Patriots, but clinch the AFC West for the fourth consecutive season. Fans couldn’t enjoy the win to the fullest extent without knowing Mahomes’ status. Now that it seems Mahomes will be OK, Chiefs fans can celebrate till their heart’s content.

Mahomes has turned in another excellent season, throwing 21 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions in 11 games.

While the Chiefs have wrapped up the division, a first-round bye remains in reach. At 9-4, the team is currently the No. 3 seed, but the Chiefs could jump the Patriots for the second bye if the Patriots drop a game in the next few weeks. The Chiefs could technically allow Mahomes to rest and coast into the playoffs, but they’ll need Mahomes to play if they want to try and secure a bye.

Picking up a first-round bye won’t be easy. The Chiefs not only need the Patriots to lose at least one game, but Kansas City also needs to beat two division opponents and take down a resurgent Chicago Bears team.

Having Mahomes under center gives the Chiefs a much better chance at running the table and putting pressure on the Pats.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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