Patrick Mahomes injury update: Andy Reid expects Chiefs QB to start vs. Texans

Patrick Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns.

While the injury looked serious at the time, it doesn't appear that it is going to keep the two-time NFL MVP out long-term.

Mahomes was a full participant at Chiefs practice all week ahead of their Saturday clash with the Houston Texans. Andy Reid provided an encouraging update about his status before the team's final practice of the short week on Thursday.

Here's what to know about Mahomes' status for Week 16.

PATRICK MAHOMES INJURY: What to know about QB's recovery time, status for Week 16

Patrick Mahomes injury update

Reid told reporters on Thursday that Mahomes had practiced in full during the short week and was expected to do so again that afternoon. That gave the coach confidence that his quarterback would be able to play against the Texans in Week 16.

"He'll most likely end up playing," Reid said. "We'll just see how things work out today."

Reid admitted that he "wasn't sure" after Mahomes initially suffered the injury whether the quarterback would be able to suit up given the quick turnaround.

At the same time, he wasn't surprised that Mahomes was on the verge of pulling off the quick recovery.

"I've been through it with him before and he amazes me every time he does it," Reid said of Mahomes' injury recovery. "He's so mentally tough. It's a mindset he has going into it. Where he was a few days ago, I'd probably say it was a longshot. He's done well with it."

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Reid also elaborated on what he saw out of Mahomes in practice that was making him confident that the quarterback could play in Week 16.

"He moved around pretty good," Reid said. "You're always looking to make sure they can get out of the way, not to further any harm to them."

Mahomes hasn't missed a start due to injury since 2019, when he suffered a dislocated patella against the Denver Broncos and missed two games. He has missed two starts since then; both were in the final week of the regular season and were designed to allow him rest and prepare for the playoffs.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Mahomes injury update: Andy Reid says Chiefs QB to play Week 16