Mahomes day-to-day after elbow injury in Chiefs rout
Andy Reid says the quarterback is in good spirits but faces a potential lineup of third-stringers at Atlanta.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
Patrick Mahomes is officially day-to-day after sustaining an elbow injury during the Kansas City Chiefs' 35-12 victory over the New York Jets. The status was confirmed by head coach Andy Reid on Monday, a day after the quarterback was hit by Jets defensive end David Bailey late in the first half.
The injury occurred during a strip-sack. Bailey chopped down on Mahomes' throwing arm, causing the ball to pop loose and leaving the two-time MVP standing with his arm dangling at his side. Mahomes was examined on the sideline but returned to the field for the next possession. He finished the game with 242 passing yards and two touchdowns despite the hit.
Reid described the situation as more positive than negative on a Zoom call with local reporters. He noted that the team is focused on rehabbing the soreness and monitoring how the arm responds. The coach stated that he saw Mahomes on Monday and found the player to be in good spirits.
The injury joins a growing list of concerns for Kansas City ahead of their Sunday trip to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy is also day-to-day after pulling up with a hamstring issue on a sideline catch. Right tackle Jaylen Moore suffered an injury to his right ankle. Both players are important starters, and their potential absence complicates the roster situation.
The Chiefs are already missing wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to a fractured ankle and left tackle Josh Simmons to a back problem. If Worthy and Moore miss time, Kansas City may rely on third-string players at key offensive spots. The injuries have also shifted focus to Tuesday's trade deadline, where the team may seek external help at those positions.
Reid also addressed the kicking situation, noting he has not decided whether to bench Harrison Butker for Justin Tucker. Butker missed a field goal against the Jets, extending his streak to 17 misses since the start of last season. Tucker, who was signed to the practice squad recently, is currently the backup option. The former All-Pro has served a 10-game suspension for violating the personal-conduct policy, a suspension that followed reports of sexual misconduct accusations by 16 massage therapists in early 2025, which Tucker has denied.
The Chiefs face the Falcons next Sunday. The trade deadline arrives Tuesday.
