The Chiefs are in a tricky spot. They are balancing urgency and caution with Patrick Mahomes’s health. Their QB’s high ankle sprain has sparked a debate about his availability for upcoming games following their Sunday win over the Browns. However, if one is to believe Chiefs announcer Mitchell Holthus, Andy Reid’s stance is crystal clear.

“If Patrick Mahomes is cleared to play, he will play,” Holthus said during his radio appearance on 96.5 The Fan. However, he also mentioned, “I’ve never seen this coaching staff or this athletic training staff ever force a guy back from an injury. They have gone out of their way to show discretion. They will not hurry a guy back and risk further injury. So if Pat can’t go, he won’t go.” Mahomes suffered the sprain during a hit while making a 4th-down play on Sunday. He might need to sit out upcoming games to recover fully. Holthus emphasized the stakes.

“These games are way too important to try to get the bye. Get the bye. Capture the bye. Because if you get a bye you’re gonna play one game in 24 days.” Holthus mentioned. And the AFC table-toppers do understand that resting Mahomes now could ensure long-term success in the playoffs. However, the team’s margin for error is now razor-thin, as a tough stretch of games against the Texans and Steelers awaits. On the other hand, the Chiefs’ medical staff has a reputation for caution.

A point reinforced by Reid’s decision to pull Mahomes against the Browns. Reid prioritized his star quarterback’s health, despite Mahomes insisting he could have finished the game. This measured approach could prove vital, especially as the playoffs are near.

However, the team faces a challenging dilemma. Should they risk Mahomes against a top pass-rushing team like Houston? Or, give him time to heal? Holthus hinted that discretion might win out, saying, “If Pat can’t go, he won’t go.”

Andy Reid’s strategy balances risk and reward

The Chiefs’ strategy extends beyond just this week’s games. As Holthus noted, securing the AFC’s top seed is crucial for playoff success. The coveted first-round bye could provide the team with much-needed rest. Particularly for Mahomes and other key players.

Backup quarterback Carson Wentz may have to step in. Wentz offers a steady option to manage games in Mahomes’s absence. He is a veteran with playoff experience. The stakes remain high. Since even one loss can jeopardize Kansas City’s hold on the No. 1 seed. But what does Mahomes want?

Showtime himself expressed a strong desire to play. “We’ll just get after the rehab part of it and try to be ready for next week,” Mahomes stated. But Reid and the Chiefs’ staff would make the final call.

Resting Mahomes could prevent his mild sprain from worsening, though it may come at the cost of crucial wins. Former Ravens DE Marcus Spears reiterated the importance of a healthy Mahomes in the playoffs. “Sit him down… home-field advantage don’t mean nothing if he ain’t healthy… Patrick Mahomes is going to be the reason that Kansas City wins the Super Bowl if it happens,” Spears stated.

Simply put, the Chiefs’ championship hopes rest squarely on Mahomes’s shoulders. Ensuring his health now could make all the difference when the playoffs arrive.