Why Patrick Mahomes is not playing in the Chiefs regular season finale

Patrick Mahomes he was held out of the Kansas City Chiefs regular season finale against the Denver Broncos.

Mahomes, 29, did not play Sunday, Jan. 5, after the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage during the playoffs with their 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

With the play meaningless from a layup perspective, the Chiefs decided not to risk their superstar starting quarterback taking snaps.

In his place, a veteran backup Carson Wentz started the game at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High.

“I’ve been through it before, so I’m not too worried about it all,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid he told reporters on Wednesday, Jan. 1, of sitting Mahomes. “It gives others an opportunity to grow, and you can take advantage of everyone.”

Reid, 66, added: “The main thing is to make sure we stay sharp in all areas during this game and in the coming weeks… We want to stay sharp mentally and physically and then it’s our responsibility to do that and how we do it. time. I make sure I do it after practice and the guys go out there, players and coaches, and work on it.”

Wentz, 32, has only attempted two passes this season as Mahomes’ backup, but said he’s ready to respond in the moment.

“I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and then perform well with this offense,” Wentz told reporters Wednesday.

He continued: “I think it would be amazing to get a replay. The preseason is obviously useful, but even that was limited and it seems like another life. That will certainly come in handy if needed, either in the playoffs in any capacity. But honestly, I’m excited to get out there and play ball.”

The break also provides an opportunity for Mahomes continue to heal the ankle injury he lasted the Chiefs’ December 15 game against the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes left the game in the fourth quarter after being pulled from behind by a Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson while also being highly impacted by the Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall.

He was later seen being transported on a golf cart at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field and was initially questionable for the Chiefs’ game against the Houston Texans on December 21.

Mahomes would end up starting that game and threw for 260 yards, scoring both a pass and a rushing touchdown in the 27-19 victory.

The Chiefs will begin their quest for a historic third straight Super Bowl when the NFL playoffs begin on January 18th.