Who’s to Blame for Patrick Mahomes’ Latest Injury Scare? Chiefs’ Key Missteps Exposed”
The Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday should have been a cause for celebration. Instead, it’s been overshadowed by a troubling injury to Patrick Mahomes.
The star quarterback suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter during a seemingly meaningless drop-back, leaving Chiefs fans holding their breath.
Mahomes’ history with ankle injuries only heightens the concern, and questions are already swirling about who is responsible for putting their franchise player in such a precarious position. Here are the three most significant culprits for Mahomes’ latest injury scare.
Brett Veach’s Failure to Address the Chiefs’ Offensive Line Woes
General Manager Brett Veach has been lauded for assembling a roster capable of back-to-back Super Bowl victories, but his handling of the left tackle position has been a glaring oversight.
Since the departure of Orlando Brown Jr. to the Bengals two years ago, the left tackle spot has been a revolving door of underwhelming options. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia, third-round pick Wanya Morris, and veteran DJ Humphries (currently injured) have all struggled to protect Mahomes’ blind side. Even Joe Thuney, typically a standout left guard, was forced to step in at left tackle on Sunday.
The lack of stability at such a crucial position is baffling, especially for a team built around the NFL’s most valuable player. Donovan Smith, a proven veteran left tackle, remains available, but Veach has yet to pull the trigger. Mahomes’ health should be a top priority, and the failure to solidify his protection is an indictment of the front office’s decision-making.
The Chiefs’ Rotating Cast of Left Tackles
While Veach’s roster-building decisions bear responsibility, the Chiefs’ current crop of left tackles has also fallen short. Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris have potential but lack the polish required to anchor a championship-level offensive line.
Their inconsistent play has forced the Chiefs into a desperate shuffle, with Thuney stepping into an unfamiliar role on Sunday. The constant rotation has made it nearly impossible for the offensive line to gel, leaving Mahomes vulnerable to pressure on over half of his drop-backs against the Browns.
It’s clear that Andy Reid and his staff don’t fully trust the young tackles, but the lack of confidence only raises the question: why were they entrusted with such a critical role in the first place?
Andy Reid’s Decision to Keep Mahomes in the Game
Ultimately, the most glaring misstep came from the sidelines. With the Chiefs leading by 21 points in the third quarter, head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy continued to call pass plays, exposing Mahomes to unnecessary risk.
Instead of bleeding the clock with a run-heavy approach, the Chiefs dialed up 18 second-half pass attempts. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Mahomes faced pressure on 54% of his drop-backs, a staggering figure for a game that was already in hand.
Reid’s decision to leave Mahomes in late into the fourth quarter, when backup quarterback Carson Wentz could have taken over, was an unnecessary gamble. Protecting Mahomes should have been the top priority, especially with the playoffs around the corner.
What’s Next for Mahomes and the Chiefs?
The Chiefs remain optimistic about Mahomes’ prognosis, but the injury scare should serve as a wake-up call. With a shaky offensive line and questionable in-game decisions, the Chiefs cannot afford to continue exposing their franchise cornerstone to unnecessary harm.
Mahomes’ availability is the key to Kansas City’s Super Bowl hopes. If the Chiefs are serious about contending for another title, they must prioritize his health moving forward—starting with reinforcing the left tackle position and rethinking their late-game strategy.
The next hit Mahomes takes could have far graver consequences, and for the Chiefs, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
