The Kansas City Chiefs took a gritty step forward with a 23-20 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but the victory came with a caveat: their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is dealing with a groin issue.
Mahomes didn’t find the end zone himself, yet he completed 29 of 46 passing attempts for 352 yards and one interception — enough to lead his team to a much-needed win against a strong Colts squad. The win halted a two-game skid and moved the Chiefs to 6-5 on the season.
Short Week, Big Implications
It’s a quick turnaround for Kansas City, who travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday in a highly-anticipated Thanksgiving matchup. The tight schedule leaves little room for error — especially with Mahomes appearing on the team’s injury report on Monday as “groin — full participation” (FP).
The injury, which reportedly flared up late in the fourth quarter and overtime, occurred during the Chiefs’ final touchdown drive. Mahomes was seen limping off the field after the sequence, sparking concern.
Not Panic — But Not Normal
While the club indicates that Mahomes is expected to play, this is still a caution flag. When your franchise quarterback appears on an injury list, the ripple effects can be significant. With the playoff picture still very much alive for Kansas City, that adds urgency.
The head coach and training staff will be keeping a close eye on his participation in the remaining practices this week. The official report listed Mahomes as full participation, but it’s noted that the team only held a walkthrough on Monday — not a full contact session.
Why This Win Was Crucial
Heading into the Colts game, the Chiefs were under pressure. Two consecutive losses to the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos had placed their playoff path in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the Colts were riding high, having won five of their last six games. Kansas City’s ability to steal this road win gives them momentum, but the next few weeks will define their season.
What to Watch in the Dallas Match
- Practice status: Whether Mahomes holds up in Wednesday’s final prep will be a strong indicator of his Thursday availability.
- Short-week fatigue: With little recovery time, managing workload becomes key.
- Offensive rhythm: If Mahomes is limited even slightly, how will the Chiefs adjust?
- Defensive support: Kansas City’s defense will need to step up to ease pressure on their QB.