Patrick Mahomes’ legend continues to grow.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback hobbled after a hit in the first quarter of the 27th-20th playoff win. Saturday’s divisional round against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite appearing to be in significant pain, Mahomes returned to the field after X-rays of his injured ankle came back negative. Though he clearly lacked his signature mobility, he was able to buck it — and helped guide Kansas City to their fifth straight AFC Championship game.
The injury appeared to be a high ankle sprain, which often occurs with twists or rotations — that is, when the foot is planted and rotated in relation to the leg. The injury involves damage to the syndesmosis, which are the high ankle ligaments that connect the two lower leg bones: the fibula and tibia.
MRI today confirmed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a severe sprained ankle in Saturday’s win against the Jaguars, according to a league source. “Nothing more than that,” said a source, and Mahomes has said he plans to play next Sunday’s AFC Championship game.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2023
This injury would typically sideline a player for several weeks – as we saw with running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who retired after suffering a similar injury in Week 11.
Mahomes reportedly underwent an MRI on Sunday, which should confirm the suspected high ankle sprain. Still, there’s little doubt among fans that the star quarterback will be ready to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Sunday’s AFC Championship.
A full week of rehab will be added to Mahome’s preparation for the championship game. Let’s take a look at what might be involved.
Mahome’s rehab week
Because we don’t know the severity of the sprain, the extent of tissue damage, or the specifics of his body’s response in the 24 to 48 hours immediately following the injury, it’s impossible to determine the exact rehabilitation schedule. However, with reports that x-rays were negative, we know no fractures are present. That’s why Mahomes was able to return in the second half on Saturday – and why he was able to play in the AFC Championship on Sunday.
High ankle sprains (and the typical inversion ankle sprain) tend to swell and stiffen—especially in the acute phase. So Mahomes will be battling pain and swelling throughout the week. Tackling those issues has already begun – and will be a big factor in how well he can recover ahead of Sunday.
To minimize pain and stiffness—and reduce swelling—the first task is to maintain and improve ankle range of motion. Everything is kept as easy and painless as possible. We can expect Mahomes’ participation in training throughout the week to be limited as too much straining, cutting or planting will only irritate and inflame the injury.
Later in the week, Mahomes will transition to specific strengthening exercises for his ankle and leg, likely using an underwater (and/or anti-gravity) treadmill to strengthen the lower leg and ankle and ease the weight bearing — but without that stressing soft tissue. which could trigger another inflammatory response.
Eventually, Mahomes will need specific functional soccer training. Balance and stability training are used to build confidence in the limb and strengthen the joint. We should also expect him to work on planting his right foot, using some light multi-directional mobility exercises to simulate movement inside the pocket.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
What can we expect in the AFC Championship?
Players take longer to recover from high ankle sprains than from inversion ankle sprains, creating a longer time frame to regain full mobility. Lateral rotation of the shin will be very uncomfortable. And as we saw with Mahomes in the second half of Saturday, planting, cutting and walking on the injured limb is painful – and therefore limited.
Mahomes won’t be at 100% until Sunday. Given his apparent soreness (and lack of mobility) in Saturday’s second half, it’s likely he wouldn’t be playing if there wasn’t a Super Bowl appearance at stake.
While it’s difficult to know exactly how his ankle will feel at break, it’s likely Mahomes won’t have his signature mobility; It will be difficult to maintain the improvisational character of his playing.
However, there is good news: Mahomes has made a career of throwing from uncomfortable, unorthodox and non-supportive platforms. Even in the worst-case scenario, he could probably do more than many other quarterbacks in similar circumstances.
Kansas City employs one of the best medical and athletic coaches in the league. Mahomes will have all rehab tools and supplies available. There is reason to be confident that by Sunday he will be as far along in his recovery as can reasonably be expected.
And as Mahomes has proven time and again throughout his career, he’s the ultimate competitor. This injury will likely limit his normal style of play – and to some extent change the offensive game plan. But Mahomes will still be… Mahomes.
So while the road to Super Bowl LVII has gotten more complicated, the Chiefs quarterback should be up to the challenge.