Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55). Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Watch: Patrick Mahomes quiets concerns about ankle with TD run vs. Texans

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 1:55 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes's ankle looked fine on his 15-yard touchdown run against the Houston Texans.

After being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain earlier this week, Mahomes didn't appear limited when he scored the first touchdown of Saturday's game.

MAHOMES TAKES IT HIMSELF FOR THE TD

: #HOUvsKC on NBC/Peacock
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— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024

With the pocket collapsing on a second-and-8, Mahomes stepped up, avoided a shoestring tackle and sprinted to the end zone before Texans defenders could close in on him.

The score quieted concerns about Mahomes' potential limitations due to his sprained ankle. He looked better than some quarterbacks do with two healthy ankles.

There was an argument for Kansas City resting Mahomes the rest of the season, but he appeared unencumbered by his ankle, squashing that debate.

Kansas City's hopes of becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls hinge on Mahomes' health.

With a win against Houston, the Chiefs (13-1) will move closer to clinching the AFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye, only needing the Bills (11-3) to lose one more game.

Mahomes will likely still be able to get some rest before Kansas City begins its playoff run. Not that he needs it.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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