Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs wants to play the Texans, but he may not

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left open the potential that he could play on Saturday when Kansas City plays the Houston Texans after suffering a high right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of a victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Mahomes was categorized as a full participant in practice on Tuesday, after initially having a recovery period that was described as week-to-week. He stated that his goal is to start for the Chiefs (13-1) this weekend. Carson Wentz, the backup, is completely available, though.

“That’s the reason you play this game is to push to play,” Mahomes stated. “I’ll put the work into practice and see where I can push it. Ultimately, though, I won’t put our squad in a difficult situation. I will thus play football if I believe I can go out there and win. Carson can play if I don’t think that’s the greatest option.

“It’s just about pushing it this week, seeing where I’m at and making the best decision then.”

Despite the setback, Mahomes expressed hope, pointing to the advancements in his therapy since the victory on Sunday. The Chiefs aren’t exactly under pressure to start a disabled Mahomes because they already have the AFC West title and are two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC seeding competition.

He is still prepared to try it, though.

“Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a good position where I wouldn’t say it’s dire that I play,” Mahomes stated. “At the end of the day, we’re aiming to win, but we have some headroom. I also want to go out there and play because I’m a competitor.

“I’ll push myself to get to the best place possible over these next few days and we’ll make a decision then.”

With their 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins at home on Sunday, the Texans (9-5) secured their second consecutive AFC South title and, like Kansas City, already secured a postseason berth.

With a solid final kick, the Texans could improve their seeding, but it seems as likely that they will stay fourth in the standings as starting a late-season run.

After securing a postseason berth with a few games left in the regular season, Houston is now faced with the yearly dilemma that many teams encounter: When the schedule is over, how will the Texans handle the final three games before a wild-card tilt?

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans stated, “Even though we’ve clinched the AFC South, it still doesn’t change our approach.” “When we get on the field and play, we’re still working to become a better football team overall so that we can play at our highest level come playoff time. Therefore, we’re still working to get better and give it our all.”

With the playoffs assured, the Texans’ opening game will depend as much on Mahomes’ availability as on their level of play. Mahomes is still the ultimate game-changer, even in light of the Chiefs’ overwhelming dominance, and the Texans have a better chance of winning if he takes a break.

“I have no information on if he’s playing or not, so I really can’t focus on it or be concerned about it,” Ryans remarked”. Although Patrick get a lot of attention, the Chiefs defense is a superb unit to watch.

“The offense, led by coach Andy Reid, will find a way to move the football regardless of who is present. Therefore, whether Patrick is present or not, we simply need to be focused on every aspect of the game.”

Over the last two games, C.J. Stroud, the quarterback for the Texans, has thrown three touchdown passes and no interceptions, but his combined yardage of 373 was not particularly impressive. Additionally, after surpassing 100 yards in six of the previous eight weeks, Joe Mixon was restricted to 23 yards on 12 carries against the Dolphins.

Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (ankle), wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder), linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (foot), center Juice Scruggs (foot), tight end Cade Stover (sickness), and backup quarterback Davis Mills (illness) were the six Houston players who missed practice on Tuesday.

The Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday was missed by defensive back Chamarri Conner (concussion) and tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring). Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, a wide receiver who is almost ready to return from a shoulder injury, participated fully in practice.