In a recent episode of “First Take,” sports analyst Stephen A. Smith expressed significant concerns regarding Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his ankle injury, which he sustained during the final minutes of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes, who had already thrown two touchdown passes, limped off the field in the fourth quarter, leaving fans anxious about his status as the Chiefs approach the final stretch of the regular season.

Following the game, Mahomes reassured fans that X-rays on his ankle were negative, but the injury raises critical questions about his mobility and effectiveness in the coming weeks. With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Chiefs, boasting a 13-1 record, are in a commanding position to secure the number one seed in the AFC, holding a 78% chance according to ESPN analytics. The Buffalo Bills, currently at 11-3, are closely trailing with a 21% chance for the top spot.

Smith highlighted the importance of Mahomes’ mobility to the Chiefs’ offensive strategy. He noted that Mahomes has an exceptional ability to read the game and navigate challenging situations, but without his usual agility, the team’s performance could be adversely affected. Smith warned that the Chiefs’ offensive line has been underperforming, making Mahomes’ ability to evade pressure even more critical. He emphasized that if Mahomes is forced to play while injured, it could have dire consequences for the Chiefs’ playoff aspirations.

The analyst further stressed that while the Chiefs are currently atop the AFC standings, their recent struggles have been concerning. Smith pointed out that they have been winning games, but often in a hard-fought manner, which is not a sustainable strategy as they head into the playoffs. He recalled Mahomes’ frustrations from the previous season, where every win felt like a struggle, suggesting that the same disjointedness is re-emerging this year.

Additionally, Smith raised concerns about the performance of key players such as tight end Travis Kelce. He noted that Kelce has not exhibited the same level of explosiveness as in previous seasons, which could compound the challenges facing the Chiefs’ offense. The absence of explosive playmakers, particularly with rookie Rashee Rice sidelined for the season, means that Mahomes has to navigate tighter coverage and make quicker decisions under pressure.

As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will undoubtedly be on Mahomes’ health and the team’s ability to adapt. Smith concluded that while Mahomes has proven he can perform well even when injured, the Chiefs must prioritize his recovery to ensure they are at full strength for the playoffs. The next few weeks will be critical, not just for Mahomes, but for the overall trajectory of the Chiefs as they strive for another championship run. With the Bills lurking closely behind, the Chiefs cannot afford to take any chances, making Mahomes’ health a top priority as the regular season winds down.