Mahomes Hurts Right Elbow Against Jets, Returns and Awaits Testing

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared to hurt his right (throwing) elbow Sunday against the New York Jets, left briefly, then came back and helped the team build a 21-12 lead, according to Fox News. Mahomes said after the game that he has more testing coming and that he hopes the problem is muscular rather than ligament damage.

The injury was a surprise. Ahead of the Week 9 game, the Chiefs had listed Mahomes only for a lingering knee issue, and he had no game designation.

What happened to Mahomes during the game?

Fox News reported that Mahomes was hit by Jets edge rusher David Bailey as he wound up for a deep throw. His arm struck Bailey instead of releasing the ball, and the ball fell to the ground as an apparent fumble. Mahomes stayed on his knees, holding his right elbow in what Fox described as obvious pain.

How did he come back?

Fox News said Mahomes appeared to favor the arm while testing it on the sideline. He returned on Kansas City's next series and completed a pass to tight end Travis Kelce, then scrambled up the middle for a 7-yard gain. After halftime he went back in again and helped the Chiefs drive for a touchdown, which put them ahead 21-12.

What did Mahomes say about the injury?

According to Fox News, Mahomes said he was scheduled for further testing and did not feel great. He said that going forward, "if I’m able to play, I’m gonna play."

He also said he was not throwing the ball the way he wanted after halftime, though he felt better as the game went on. Mahomes said that in the cases he has heard about, players with serious arm injuries cannot throw once they grab the ball. Because he could throw, he said, he hopes the problem is muscle-related rather than ligament-related. He stressed that he had not yet taken the test and that this week's work would be important.

Is a major ligament tear ruled out?

Not officially. Fox News wrote that it was clear Mahomes avoided a UCL tear, reasoning that such an injury would keep him from throwing. That is the outlet's assessment. Mahomes himself described his hope as unconfirmed pending testing, and no medical results have been reported.

What does this mean for the Chiefs and their fans?

The immediate question is whether Mahomes stays on the field in the coming weeks. His own comments suggest he intends to play if he is able, but the test results will shape that. The Chiefs have not announced a diagnosis or a status for their next game.

Kansas City's contingency plan was laid out before the game. Chiefs Wire reported that veteran Justin Fields is the backup who would run Andy Reid's offense if Mahomes had to leave. The same report said Mahomes, a two-time MVP, had been a full participant in every practice that week despite the knee problem, so the team now has two physical concerns to track: the earlier knee issue and the new elbow injury.

What happens next?

Mahomes said the testing is planned for this week. Further details on the results and on his availability for the Chiefs' next game have not been released.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by Chiefs Wire, Fox News