Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury to his throwing elbow during Sunday’s 35-12 victory over the New York Jets, but an MRI reportedly showed no major damage. The 31-year-old quarterback remained in the game despite experiencing pain in his right arm, and the Chiefs will monitor the injury for swelling and discomfort before their next matchup.
Mahomes was injured during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on November 8, 2026. Although the incident initially raised concerns about his availability, the quarterback returned to action and finished the game with 242 passing yards and two touchdowns.
How Did Patrick Mahomes Get Injured?
Mahomes suffered the injury with 1:33 remaining in the second quarter when Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey reached him in the pocket.
Bailey struck Mahomes’ right arm during a strip-sack, while Jets defenders Will McDonald IV and Darrell Jackson Jr. were also involved in the play.
Mahomes immediately appeared uncomfortable and walked toward the sideline holding his throwing arm.
The injury raised concerns because it affected the arm he uses to throw passes. However, Mahomes remained available and did not miss an offensive snap.
He tested his arm on the sideline before continuing the game.
What Did Patrick Mahomes Say About His Injury?
Mahomes addressed the injury after Kansas City’s victory and explained that the initial pain had concerned him.
“If I’m able to play, I’m going to play,” Mahomes said. “That’s part of the game.”
He also acknowledged that injuries involving major joints can be difficult to assess immediately.
“Any time it’s elbows and knees, it’s always scary, just because you just don’t know,” he said.
The quarterback received treatment during halftime from Chiefs assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer, who helped him regain movement in his throwing arm.
Mahomes said his ability to throw the football after the incident gave him some confidence that the problem involved muscles rather than significant ligament damage.
Patrick Mahomes MRI Results Show No Major Damage
Mahomes underwent an MRI following the game to determine the extent of the injury.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the examination did not reveal a major injury.
The quarterback is dealing with an elbow strain or sprain, and the Chiefs will continue monitoring his condition over the coming days.
Medical staff will assess whether he develops additional pain or swelling as he recovers.
The MRI findings reduced concerns about a serious injury, although the team has not established a definite recovery timeline.
Andy Reid Gives Update on Chiefs Quarterback
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discussed Mahomes’ condition after the victory and acknowledged the quarterback’s determination to continue playing.
“He’s a tough kid,” Reid said. “If there’s any way he can come back from something, he’s coming back.”
Reid also indicated that Mahomes could experience soreness following the game.
The coaching staff will evaluate his condition during the week before determining whether any adjustments to his practice schedule are necessary.
Mahomes’ ability to complete the game was encouraging for Kansas City, particularly with the team preparing for another regular-season matchup.
Patrick Mahomes Was Already Managing a Knee Injury
Before Sunday’s game, Mahomes had appeared on the Chiefs’ injury report because of a knee issue.
He participated fully in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and entered the Jets matchup without an injury-related game designation.
The knee issue followed a more serious injury from the previous season, when Mahomes underwent surgery in December 2025.
His rehabilitation included work with Chiefs medical personnel, including Frymyer.
The new elbow injury is separate from the knee problem that Kansas City had been monitoring before Week 9.
Will Patrick Mahomes Play Against the Atlanta Falcons?
Kansas City is scheduled to face the Atlanta Falcons in its next regular-season game.
Mahomes has not been ruled out of the matchup, and the reported MRI findings suggest that he avoided significant structural damage to his throwing elbow.
However, the Chiefs have not officially confirmed his availability for the Falcons game.
His participation in upcoming practices will provide further information about his recovery.
As of November 9, 2026, Mahomes remains under evaluation for a right elbow strain or sprain. He completed the Jets game, and medical testing has reportedly ruled out a major injury.