Chiefs expect Mahomes to miss a month
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes escaped significant ligament damage when he dislocated his right kneecap, and there is optimism the reigning most valuable player could be back on the field in about a month.
Mahomes had an MRI exam Friday that showed the ligaments were intact, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Chiefs still were gathering “all the information,” coach Andy Reid said.
Mahomes was hurt in a 30-6 victory in Denver on Thursday night while sneaking for first down on fourth and short deep in Broncos territory. Everyone jumped up from the pile but Mahomes, who quickly reached for his right knee as trainers rushed onto the field.
The Chiefs (5-2) play Green Bay a week from Sunday, then face Minnesota and Tennessee before a Monday night matchup against the Chargers on Nov. 18. The Chiefs have their bye the following week, so it is possible they hold Mahomes out until Dec. 1 against Oakland.
Journeyman quarterback Matt Moore, who was signed just before the season, finished the game and went 10 for 19 for 117 yards, a good chunk of it coming on a 57-yard scoring strike to Tyreek Hill.
“It’s hard to do, really the whole thing he’s done, coming in late to us,” Reid said. “Then it’s hard to be a relief pitcher. He’s done it before. There’s a certain way to prep for that and he understands that.
“It paid off for him. The best part is we didn’t have to change up a lot of things. The hard thing is if the guy comes in, the backup, and you have to change the whole offense.” Osemele vs. Jets
Kelechi Osemele and the New York Jets are locked up in a standoff.
The left guard says he needs season-ending shoulder surgery, as recommended by two doctors, and is waiting for the Jets to authorize it. The team, however, says both doctors determined it is a preexisting injury and cleared Osemele to play and have surgery in the offseason. Osemele was told he’s expected to practice Saturday or face a fine and/ or suspension.
“It’s been killing me,” said Osemele, who said he has a torn labrum that leaves him without the strength to block. “I’m just trying to get this done. I’ve done everything I can. I’ve been at work every day, waking up at 5 in the morning, doing all the rehab and the treatments and stuff like that. I’m like the last dude out of here at night. I’m doing everything I can.”
Osemele, a two-time Pro Bowl player with Oakland, was acquired in March. He hasn’t played since Sept. 22 and is not expected to return next season.
Injury updates
New Orleans ruled out running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Jared Cook for Sunday in Chicago. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (left shoulder) will be a game-time decision, even after he practiced all week without limitations . ... Philadelphia will be without left tackle Jason Peters (knee) and several other key players when the Eagles visit Dallas on Sunday night . ... Atlanta cornerback Desmond Trufant (toe) will miss his second straight game Sunday against the Rams . ... New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Evan Engram fully participated in practice Friday and probably will return from injuries Sunday against Arizona.