Patrick Mahomes gave Chiefs fans a bit of a scare, but ultimately survived an ankle injury during a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine in Kansas City’s 30-32 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Monday.
The scare popped up early in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs facing a third and goal when Mahomes flipped the ball over to Perine in the end zone just before the QB crossed the line of scrimmage.
Mahomes appeared to start hobbling after he got rid of the ball, unable to put pressure on his left ankle.
The Chiefs started to celebrate the play that tied the score at 17 after the extra point, but quickly turned their attention to Mahomes.
Mahomes looked to be in clear pain as he was down on the ground from the non-contact injury before turning over to sit and grabbing at his ankle.
He had to be helped up by his teammates and placed one hand on Jason Kelce as team trainers rushed over to check on the Chiefs’ star.
The replay appeared to show Mahomes planting his foot and then seeming to react with pain almost immediately.
He had to be helped off the field by team trainers, causing immediate concern among Chiefs Kingdom.
Mahomes was evaluated in the medical tent before popping out and jogging on the sideline, sending Arrowhead Stadium into a frenzy.
The Chiefs quarterback returned to the field for the team’s next offensive drive and helped Kansas City march down the field to score a go-ahead touchdown with under five minutes to play.
Mahomes completed the 78-yard, 15-play drive with a short five-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins to give the Chiefs a 24-17 lead.
He said after the game that he had twisted his ankle on the play.
The Chiefs had entered the game as the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team and were hoping to keep that stretch going with a win over the Buccaneers.