(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon, and Patrick Mahomes will be under center despite an ankle injury.
Every Chiefs fan held their breath last Sunday. In the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Patrick Mahomes stepped up into the pocket, got crunched and limped off the field.
Mahomes ended up not missing a snap but had his left ankle heavily wrapped for the rest of the contest. All told, Mahomes played very well before and after the injury, throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-26 Kansas City triumph.
While Mahomes was listed on the injury report throughout the week leading up to the Chiefs’ tilt with the Oakland Raiders this Sunday, Kansas City didn’t list an injury designation for its star quarterback. In short, the reigning MVP will be starting under center, so fantasy owners and Chiefs fans alike don’t need to worry about his status.
The larger question is what Mahomes will look like. With wide receiver Tyreek Hill sidelined due to a collarbone injury, the Chiefs are relying heavily on rookie Mecole Hardman. In his debut, Hardman was targeted once without a catch. Kansas City does still have receiver Sammy Watkins and tight end Travis Kelce for Mahomes to find, giving him ample talent to work with.
One other concern, however, is the status of Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher. Fisher was listed with a limited practice on Friday after leaving early with a groin injury. While the severity is unknown publicly, Fisher has been listed as questionable for the game. If he can’t play, look for swing tackle Cam Erving to get the start. It would be the first time Fisher misses action since his rookie year of 2013.