Kevin Durant sends Chiefs HC Andy Reid ‘protect Patrick Mahomes from himself’ message
Three games in 11 days can make or break a season. Fortunately for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions are currently top of the AFC and firmly in the running to wrap up the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Their stretch of three games in 11 days started against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 15 and will continue when they host the Houston Texans at Arrowhead on Saturday, ending on Christmas Day when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans are one of the league's premiere pass rushing units, a reputation that could spell trouble for Mahomes. The Chiefs QB was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain in the Week 15 win over Cleveland after limping off the field late in the game.
There have been numerous calls to rest Mahomes this weekend. NBA superstar Kevin Durant joined that chorus during an appearance on Kay Adams' Up and Adams Show on Thursday.
“They’re 12-2. I don’t think he should play this week. It’s a high-ankle sprain which is worse than a regular ankle sprain. I think he should take a week off and get his body right and get ready for the playoffs. I feel like they can win anywhere," Durant said.
The two-time NBA champion also sent Andy Reid a message, urging him to protect his star quarterback:
"You got to monitor him every single day. If you got a slight limp, we’re not going to force it this week. What’s more important? The health of Patrick Mahomes or trying to lock up the one seed? You got to protect the players from themselves at this point of the season because you’re looking at the bigger picture.”
Latest on Patrick Mahomes' injury status for Week 16
In some positive news for Chiefs fans, Patrick Mahomes was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is a promising sign for his availability in the upcoming game against the Houston Texans on Saturday.
Marquee free-agent addition Hollywood Brown, who signed a one-year deal with the team, is also expected to make his return after a sternoclavicular joint injury to his left shoulder during their preseason opener.
Things are also looking up for Harrison Butker, who has been managing a left knee injury throughout the week. Overall, it appears the Chiefs will be the healthiest they've been all season when they take the field at Arrowhead.