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The Kansas City Chiefs'star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proven time and again that he's as tough as they come. The three-time Super Bowl champion sent a scare through Chiefs Kingdom during the team's Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, leaving the game with what appeared to be a concerning ankle injury. While Mahomes has dealt with similar injuries throughout his illustrious career, the debate is now heating up: should the Chiefs rest their franchise player ahead of the playoffs, or will he push through the pain as he's done before?
Rapper and die-hard sports fan Lil Wayne. In a conversation with Skip Bayless on Undisputed, Wayne confidently dismissed any notion of Mahomes sitting out. "He got hurt, but he also said that he could [have] come back in the game if it was different circumstances... I don't think he's gonna miss a game," said the Grammy-winning artist, underscoring Mahomes' grit and determination.
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Mahomes' track record backs up Wayne's prediction. The superstar quarterback has only missed two games due to injury in his career, both during the 2019 season. On Tuesday, he provided more reassurance to fans by fully participating in practice, signaling that his recovery is on track. The Chiefs' first practice report of Week 16 lists Mahomes as a full participant, which bodes well for his availability against the 9-5 Houston Texans on Sunday.
In his postgame comments, Mahomes himself seemed optimistic."The reason you play this game is to push to play," he told reporters. "I'll get to work in practice and try to push it... If I feel like I can play and go out there and win a football game, I'll play."
Mahomes' health vs. Chiefs' playoff push
However, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs staff face a delicate decision. While Mahomes' competitive spirit is unmatched, preserving his health for a potential deep playoff run might outweigh the short-term benefits of playing him against Houston. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who ed the Chiefs this season, has the experience and tools to keep the team competitive if called upon.
NFL insiders like Ian Rapoport have noted that Kansas City's medical team will monitor Mahomes closely throughout the week, ensuring he doesn't risk aggravating the injury.ESPN's Adam Schefter also highlighted the strategic advantage of resting Mahomes for the postseason, given the Chiefs' playoff aspirations.
For now, all eyes are on the Chiefs' injury report and Mahomes' status heading into Sunday. Whether Lil Wayne's prediction holds true or Reid opts for caution, the team's decisions in the coming days could shape the trajectory of their season.
Chiefs fans can take solace in one thing: Mahomes' determination to play is unwavering, and the team is prepared no matter what unfolds.