As you probably know by now, during the Chiefs week 7 victory over the Denver Broncos, Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury that took him out for the rest of the game. This was a scary moment for Chiefs fans, as homes and sports bars across the city fell silent as Mahomes had to be helped off the field. The injury came on a quarterback sneak play, a call by Andy Reid that has been criticized in the following days. There have been a series of developments in terms of Mahomes’ progress, so this article will catch you up to speed as to when the star of the Kansas City Chiefs should be back on the field.

The initial worry for most Chiefs fans was that Mahomes might have torn his ACL, something that would take him out for the rest of the year. However, after some x-rays, it was discovered that he suffered a dislocated kneecap in his right knee. While Andy Reid gave no timetable for him to return, the initial expectation was that Mahomes would miss about three weeks, which would bring him back for the game against the Titans on November 10th.

Andy Reid seemed to confirm this when he said that Mahomes was “close” to returning after Mahomes was ruled out for their last game. There were reports from Chiefs practice that Mahomes was practicing just days after his injury. While this got some fans’ hopes up that he would play against the Green Bay Packers, a game the Chiefs ended up losing by a touchdown, it is unlikely that Andy Reid or the Chiefs personnel even considered risking reinjury by allowing Mahomes to play. While this may have disappointed some fans, the Chiefs are going to play it safe with their star quarterback.

That isn’t to say that he will not be back out on the field when he is ready, which is still looking to be around week 10 versus the Titans. Chiefs fans should refrain from worrying too much, as backup Matt Moore has shown to be a capable quarterback in Mahomes’ absence. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he has a tough challenge ahead of him next week when the Chiefs take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Miller explained some of the ways that trainers help athletes with injuries and preventative treatments.

“Jewell Sports Medicine helps athletes with injuries by being present at practices and games. Sports Medicine team are the first to evaluate injuries and start the treatment plan. We are fortunate to have great physicians that dedicate their time to William Jewell by coming out for weekly clinics and game coverage. Preventative treatments range from light band work to stretching and taping. We are very fortunate to have a great strength and conditioning staff that helps prepare our athletes in all aspects,” Miller said.

Assistant Athletic Trainer Brooke Powers

Powers discussed in more detail some of the more common injuries that the trainers encounter.

“Longest injuries that take to heal are typically surgical injuries, and any type of ACL or labral tear in the shoulder or hip, bone fractures and they take about six to eight months of recovery time. Whereas if it’s as muscle strain it typically takes six to eight weeks. Common injury usually just depends on the sport. Lower body sports we tend to see more lower body injuries and vice versa with upper body sports,” she said.

Jewell athletic training does not just focus on healing athletes physically. It also provides mental and emotional support. Regardless of the severity of the injury the athlete may need mental and emotional support to push through physical therapy. It can be devastating news for an athlete to have a significant injury, need surgery or just have an acute injury that hinders play.

When Powers was asked her favorite thing about being a trainer, she discussed this all-around supportive role.

“The job is a lot more than making sure they’re not just physically able to do their sport, but it’s pretty emotional when they are told that they are having surgery, and you’re going to be out eight months. It’s my job to also help them cope with that. Seeing them step onto the field for the first time after an injury whether it’s significant or not is an amazing feeling,” she said.

Head Athletic Trainer Charlie Miller

Miller shared his favorite thing about being a trainer.

“My favorite thing about being an athletic trainer is getting to spend time with the student athletes and help care for their injuries. Having the opportunity to help an athlete recover from a surgical procedure and return to the field is a great experience and very rewarding. Additionally, rehabilitation techniques are continually evolving and I have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow,” he said.

Photos courtesy of Jewell Athletics.