Patrick Mahomes knows how to keep his cool. That’s even when the stakes are sky-high. The Chiefs are heading into the divisional-round showdown against the Texans. It was the week 15 game against the Browns. The Chiefs won the game 21-7, but their QB injured his ankle. Though he played in the following 2 weeks, his injury was still a concern. Now, before the big divisional clash, what’s the status?

Mahomes cleared the air about his ankle, speaking on 96.5 The Fan with Carrington Harrison. “I’m in a good spot,” he shared. “Everybody’s a little banged up at this time of year, but having the rest obviously helps, and you just kind of prepare yourself to be ready to go.” Mahomes missed the Chiefs’ Week 18 game against Denver. All thanks to Andy Reid’s decision to rest key players. However, the decision eventually led to the Chief’s first-ever shutout under Reid. But it allowed Mahomes three weeks of recovery under his belt. Now, he is ready to lead Kansas City’s quest for a historic third straight Super Bowl win.

The Chiefs clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed. And it allowed Mahomes to heal. Heal from a high ankle sprain sustained in mid-December. Mahomes was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice despite battling the injury. And that marks a promising return to form. He tallied 12 touchdowns over his last six games. Meanwhile, he averaged 254 passing yards and 23.3 rushing yards per game. Mahomes’s readiness spells trouble for their defense with the Texans on the horizon.

Mahomes also praised the team’s preparation during their bye week. “I mean, you’re in the playoffs. The intensity picks up,” he said. “Everybody’s playing for everything… So you have to go out there and execute. And I put my body’s in a good spot, like our team’s in a good spot analysis. Have a great week of practice and get ready to go.” His focus pairs with the Chiefs’ playoff experience, making them formidable contenders. But can Mahomes’s ankle withstand the physicality of playoff football?

That question lingers as the Chiefs face a Texans team on a roll after dismantling the Chargers in the wild-card round. Mahomes’s health isn’t just about this game. It could define Kansas City’s postseason.

Patrick Mahomes on balancing rest and rust with Reid’s masterplan

Patrick Mahomes isn’t just confident in his body. He’s confident in Andy Reid. Mahomes was unequivocal when asked about the rest-versus-rust debate. “I trust Andy Reid with my life,” he claimed. “Whatever he says to do, I’m gonna go out there and do it. And I think we’ve done pretty well with the rest before. So we’ll continue to try to get that trend going in the right direction.” That speaks volumes about his confidence in self and his coach.

Reid’s decision to rest Mahomes and other starters wasn’t without criticism. The Chiefs suffered a crushing 38-0 loss to Denver. And that sparked concerns about potential rust. Fans even accused Reid of intentionally tanking to keep the red-hot Bengals out of the picture. But Reid’s track record in managing rested teams speaks for itself. The Chiefs have thrived after bye-weeks under his leadership. This includes past playoff runs.

Patrick Mahomes also welcomed his third child during the bye. And he appreciated the timing. “It was cool that we got the bye, just because you can kind of really focus on just being at the hospital, being in the moment,” he said. Now, with his family life settled, football is back on his mind. Mahomes seems ready to deliver on the field.

Kansas City’s aspirations hinge on Mahomes’s arm—and ankle. The Chiefs haven’t just dominated their opponents. They’ve also weathered injuries and roster changes. They remain favorites to make history with Mahomes at the helm.

The playoff path is far from easy. But Mahomes’s confidence in combination with Reid’s strategy, gives Kansas City a winning edge. Saturday will reveal if rest truly outweighs rust.