The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the possibility that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes may not be able to start Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans due to his ailing ankle. If that happens, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to step in and lead the team.
Coach Andy Reid expressed full confidence in Wentz’s ability to perform well as the starting quarterback. “We have full confidence in Carson,” Reid said. “He’s started in the league and been successful. He’s got a great feel for this offense and is very smart.”
Mahomes, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, believes he has made progress since then. However, he also acknowledges that the injury is not severe enough to prevent him from playing.
“We want to be able to protect ourselves,” Mahomes said. “I don’t want to limit the game plan or sit in one spot for the whole game.” If Mahomes does play, it will depend on how his ankle feels closer to the end of the week.
The Chiefs, who are already 13-1 and have clinched the AFC West championship, are chasing the AFC’s No. 1 seed. With two wins in their final three games, they can still secure the top spot even if Mahomes is unable to play.
Reid acknowledged that Wentz has a strong arm and is very smart, making him an ideal candidate to replace Mahomes as the starting quarterback. The coach also mentioned that he believes Wentz would have a starting job in the NFL next season.
With their team’s future plans at stake, the Chiefs are focused on finding a solution for Mahomes’ ankle injury and ensuring they can secure their spot in the playoffs.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43026174/chiefs-reid-full-confidence-wentz-mahomes-play