Patrick Mahomes’ injury history has become a key part of his NFL legacy. From ankle sprains to knee dislocations, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has shown incredible resilience. Despite multiple injuries, Mahomes has maintained elite performance on the field—turning setbacks into comebacks that define his greatness.
Quick Summary: Patrick Mahomes Injury History
- 2019 – Knee dislocation (missed 2 games)
- 2021 – Turf toe and concussion (played through)
- 2023–2024 – Recurring ankle sprains
- 2024 – Minor foot bruise, rested in Week 18
- 2025 – Fully healthy entering training camp
The Super Bowl Ankle Saga: Grit on the Biggest Stage
In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes appeared on the Chiefs’ injury report with a lingering ankle sprain suffered during a December 15 game against Cleveland. Despite consecutive short-week games against Houston and Pittsburgh, Mahomes played through discomfort until a strategic rest period intervened. The Chiefs wisely sat him in Week 18 against Denver, leveraging their first-round playoff bye to provide nearly a month of recovery before the Divisional Round. The approach worked: Mahomes returned as a full participant in all Super Bowl practices and delivered a statistically solid performance (257 yards, 3 TDs) in the championship clash against Philadelphia. Though Kansas City fell short, his availability was never in doubt—a testament to both modern sports science and his personal toughness.
Also Read: Saquon Barkley: Chasing Immortality Amid Historical Odds and Looming Regression Fears
A History of Playing Through Pain: Beyond the Ankle
Mahomes’ career reveals a pattern of battling through significant ailments:
Table: Patrick Mahomes’ Notable Injury History
Season | Injury | Games Missed | Key Impact |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Knee Patella Dislocation | 2 | Underwent surgery; returned for playoff run |
2021 | Turf Toe | 0 | Limited mobility in playoffs |
2021 | Concussion | 0 | Cleared protocol quickly; played next game |
2023-2024 | Ankle Sprain (Recurring) | 0* | Aggravated in playoffs; managed via rest |
2024 | Foot Bruise | 0 | Minor regular-season limitation |
*Missed Week 18 for rest, not injury designation
This history underscores a critical point: Mahomes has missed just two career games due to injury despite enduring multiple significant physical setbacks. His durability stems from a meticulous recovery regimen—including 10 hours of nightly sleep and biometric tracking via a WHOOP device—which some fans mistakenly linked to diabetes management. The Chiefs have clarified these rumors as unfounded, attributing his routine to elite athletic maintenance.
The Ripple Effect: How Injuries Reshaped Kansas City’s Offense
Mahomes’ 2024 campaign wasn’t just defined by his own physical struggles—it was compounded by devastating injuries to his receiving corps. Rashee Rice, who led the NFL in receptions through Week 3, suffered a season-ending knee injury. Hollywood Brown exited Week 1 with a sternoclavicular injury, returning only for the playoffs at reduced capacity. These losses forced Mahomes into a hyper-conservative “checkdown” approach:
- Air yards per attempt plummeted to 6.5, lowest among all starting QBs
- Depth of target dropped significantly, ranking fifth-lowest in the league
- Fantasy production suffered (17.6 points/game, QB12) as Travis Kelce—struggling to separate—became a safety-valve target
The statistical impact was stark: 3,928 passing yards (6.8 YPA) and 26 touchdowns represented efficiency but lacked the explosiveness of his MVP seasons. Yet this adaptability—dubbed “Alex Smith mode” by analysts—propelled Kansas City to a third straight Super Bowl, proving Mahomes could win even when physically compromised.
The Carson Wentz Factor: Insurance Behind a Legend
Amid concerns over Mahomes’ ankle, backup Carson Wentz emerged as a critical insurance policy. The veteran started Week 18 and remained prepared throughout the playoffs, offering experienced coverage should Mahomes suffer a setback. Wentz’s presence provided psychological comfort, though Mahomes’ durability ensured his backup saw no meaningful snaps.
2025 Outlook: Health, Weapons, and a Return to Air Mahomes?
As training camp opens, optimism surrounds Kansas City’s offense:
- Rice and Brown are fully healthy, joining Xavier Worthy (59 receptions in 2024) to form Mahomes’ “deepest receiver group ever”
- Coaches are emphasizing downfield throws in offseason workouts, seeking to revive “Air Mahomes”
- Mahomes himself declared, “We have so many weapons… It’s about me trusting them and making throws downfield”
Table: Key Chiefs Offensive Metrics (2024) vs. 2025 Projection
Metric | 2024 (Rank) | 2025 Projection |
---|---|---|
Dropback EPA/Play | 0.142 (10th) | Top 5 with deep threat |
Avg. Depth of Target | 6.5 yards | 8.0+ yards |
WR/TE Health Efficiency | 42% (estimated) | 85%+ with Rice/Brown back |
Mahomes Fantasy PPG | 17.6 (QB12) | 20+ (Top 5 QB) |
Health remains the catalyst: A full season with Rice, Worthy, and Brown could restore Mahomes’ deep-passing dominance. With no current injury designation and an improved offensive line aiming to reduce sacks, Mahomes enters 2025 positioned not just to play, but to redefine his ceiling once more.
The Legacy of Resilience
Patrick Mahomes’ career embodies a paradox: He is both indestructible (two missed games in eight seasons) and human (playing through ankle sprains, toe pain, and concussions). His 2024 campaign proved that even when injuries constrain his physical gifts, his football intellect and will to win can still carry a team to the Super Bowl. Now, with health on his side and weapons reloaded, Mahomes isn’t just chasing recovery—he’s chasing a return to the explosive, breathtaking style that made him a legend. As Kansas City’s offense retools for a “revenge tour,” the league’s most resilient quarterback stands ready to author his next chapter.
FAQs for: Patrick Mahomes Injury
How is Patrick Mahomes’ injury?
✅ Answer:
As of the 2025 NFL offseason, Patrick Mahomes is fully recovered from his previous ankle and foot injuries. He has no current injury designation and is participating fully in Chiefs training camp, signaling a strong return for the upcoming season.
What is Patrick Mahomes’ injury?
✅ Answer:
Patrick Mahomes has dealt with several injuries during his NFL career, including a knee dislocation in 2019, turf toe in 2021, and a recurring ankle sprain during the 2023–2024 season. His most recent issue was a foot bruise late in 2024, but he played through it.
Is Patrick Mahomes injured right now?
✅ Answer:
No, Patrick Mahomes is not currently injured. He is healthy and practicing with the team as of July 2025, following a full recovery from the minor injuries he managed during the 2024 season.
Is Patrick Mahomes out for the season?
✅ Answer:
No, Patrick Mahomes is not out for the season. While he played through injuries in 2024 and sat out Week 18 for rest, he is fully expected to start the 2025 season as the Chiefs’ QB1 with no limitations.
How bad is Patrick Mahomes’ injury?
✅ Answer:
Mahomes’ most recent injuries—an ankle sprain and foot bruise—were considered minor. He received treatment, rested during non-critical games, and returned at full strength for the postseason. Overall, none of his recent injuries were classified as season-threatening.