Why Patrick Mahomes Is Not Playing in the Chiefs’ Regular Season Finale

Patrick Mahomes kept him out of the Kansas City Chiefs regular season finale against the Denver Broncos.

Mahomes, 29, did not play in the game on Sunday, January 5, after the Chiefs secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs after their 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas day.

With the game rendered meaningless from a standings perspective, the Chiefs decided not to risk having their superstar starting quarterback take any snaps.

In his place, veteran backup Carson Wentz kick off at Empower Denver Field at Mile High.

“I’ve been through that before, so I’m not too worried about all that,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to reporters on Wednesday, January 1 about Mahomes sitting. “It gives these other guys a chance to grow and you can use everybody.”

Reid, 66, added, “The main thing is to make sure we stay sharp in all areas through this game and for the next few weeks … We want to stay sharp mentally and physically and then it is our responsibility to do so and how we manage. the time. I make sure I do that in practice and the boys go out, players and coaches, and work on that.”

Wentz, 32, attempted just two passes this season as Mahomes’ backup, but said he’s ready to meet the moment.

“I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and then have a good performance with this offense,” Wentz told reporters on Wednesday.

He continued, “I think it would be great to have representatives. Obviously preseason is helpful, but even that was limited and it seems like another age ago already. This will definitely come in handy if needed in whatever capacity down the stretch there in the playoffs. But honestly, I’m excited to go out and play ball.”

The break also gives Mahomes a chance to continue healing from an ankle injury it continued in the Chiefs game on December 15 against the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes left the game in the fourth quarter after being dragged down from behind by a Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson while simultaneously being hit high by a Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall.

He was later seen being carried on a golf cart inside Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field and was initially questionable for the Chiefs’ game against the Houston Texans on December 21.

Mahomes would end up starting that game and throwing for 260 yards, scoring a passing touchdown and rushing in the 27-19 victory.

The Chiefs will open their quest for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl when the NFL Divisional Playoffs begin on January 18.