Patrick Mahomes grabbed his right elbow after a hard hit from Jets rookie David Bailey in the first half of the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the New York Jets. The hit resulted in a strip-sack, and the fumble was recovered by the Jets. Mahomes was evaluated by trainers on the sideline and later attempted to throw a ball to test his arm.
Despite the apparent pain, Mahomes returned to the field before halftime. He completed a short pass to Travis Kelce and then rushed for a first down to get his team into field goal range, though Harrison Butker missed the subsequent kick.
Following the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described Mahomes' injury, stating, "Hurt his elbow a little bit so it's sore. But he came back. He's a tough kid."
During the broadcast, announcers expressed concern over Mahomes' visible discomfort. "Mahomes is hurt," Jim Nantz exclaimed. "My goodness. Bailey was the one who hit him. Oh my goodness."
JJ Watt added, "Exactly. The amount of force that he's putting into that throw, clearly trying to get it right down the field, then he runs into Bailey's arm. That is painful."
Mahomes had a previous season-ending injury in 2025 when he tore his ACL and MCL, but he made a swift recovery and was cleared for training camp. He has led the Chiefs to a 5-2 record this season.
Before the game, Mahomes, who has never lost three consecutive games, spoke about his approach to playing. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to win," he told reporters. "It's not like I'm scared to go out there and put my body on the line. That's how I've played. It's got me in trouble sometimes and sometimes it's helped the team."
The Chiefs were leading 14-12 at the time of Mahomes' injury late in the first half. The Jets took a 15-14 lead with their fifth field goal before Mahomes' return.
