The Kansas City Chiefs’ decisive win over the Cleveland Browns was overshadowed by an unsettling moment: Patrick Mahomes leaving the game with a high ankle sprain. With the playoffs looming and a critical matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday, fans and analysts alike are debating whether Mahomes should take the field or prioritize his recovery.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant, speaking on the show Up & Adams with Kay Adams, didn’t mince words about the situation. “I don’t think he should play this week,” Durant said, citing the severity of a high ankle sprain. “It’s worse than a regular ankle sprain. He should take a week off, get his body right, and get ready for these playoffs.”

Durant Advocates for Long-Term Perspective

When Adams asked Durant what he would do if he were Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, the Brooklyn Nets forward was unequivocal: “I sit Mahomes. First of all, you have to monitor him every day. If he’s got even a slight limp, we’re not forcing it this week.”

Durant emphasized the importance of protecting Mahomes from unnecessary risks, especially with the bigger picture in mind: a potential three-peat as Super Bowl champions. “What’s more important: the health of Patrick Mahomes or trying to lock up the 1 seed? You’ve got to think long-term here,” Durant questioned.

The Competitor’s Dilemma

Durant also acknowledged Mahomes’ fiercely competitive nature, suggesting that the star quarterback would push to play regardless of the injury’s severity. “That sh** could be broken, and he’ll try to play,” Durant quipped. “But you almost got to protect players from themselves at this point in the season.”

Mahomes has participated fully in practice over the past two days, signaling his intent to suit up against the Texans. Yet the Chiefs, having already clinched a playoff spot and maintaining a two-game lead for the AFC’s top seed, face minimal pressure to rush their franchise quarterback back onto the field.

Chiefs’ Packed Schedule Adds to the Complexity

Complicating matters is the Chiefs’ grueling schedule. After facing the Texans on Saturday, Kansas City will play again on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With only a few days of rest between games, the risk of aggravating Mahomes’ injury looms large.

Durant’s advice aligns with the sentiments of many fans and analysts: the Chiefs should prioritize Mahomes’ long-term health over short-term gains. The playoffs will demand the best from the team, and a fully healthy Mahomes will be critical to their success.

A Crucial Decision for Andy Reid

As the Chiefs prepare for their final regular-season games, all eyes will be on Andy Reid and the team’s medical staff. Balancing Mahomes’ competitive drive with the need for caution will be no easy task, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For now, the focus shifts to Saturday’s game, where Chiefs fans will anxiously watch for any updates on their star quarterback’s status. Whether Mahomes plays or sits, one thing is clear: his health remains paramount to Kansas City’s quest for a historic three-peat.