Patrick Mahomes Injury Update Emerges Amid Chiefs Season

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Patrick Mahomes Injury Update Emerges Amid Chiefs Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 15, 2026 7:45 AM ET

Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, giving the team another boost as it looks to extend its winning run. The quarterback will take the field despite concerns surrounding his throwing elbow after last week’s victory over the New York Jets.

Kansas City initially had reason to worry when Mahomes took an awkward hit late in the first half against New York. Jets rookie pass rusher David Bailey struck his throwing arm during a strip-sack, forcing the quarterback to leave the field briefly while receiving medical attention. Mahomes returned and finished the 35-12 win with 23 completions on 31 attempts for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

The injury prompted an MRI after the game, with initial reports indicating that the examination had not revealed significant damage.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided another update on Sunday after Mahomes sought second opinions from two MLB doctors.

According to Schefter, the specialists found “a very small sprain of his UCL” and believe it is safe for the Chiefs quarterback to resume playing. The additional examinations offer further reassurance after the initial MRI and ease concerns about a potentially more serious elbow injury.

Sources: Chiefs had renowned baseball doctors with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers weigh in on Patrick Mahomes’ elbow injury before allowing him to play today in Atlanta.https://t.co/G05aYZHrTX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2026

Mahomes has also continued practicing without restrictions ahead of Sunday’s matchup, putting him in position to start against Atlanta. The Chiefs quarterback has thrown for 2,037 yards and 14 touchdowns through eight games, helping Kansas City reach a 6-2 record.

The team will need him to remain healthy as it enters a demanding stretch of its schedule.