Why Patrick Mahomes didn’t play in the Chiefs’ regular-season finale

Patrick Mahomes Was left out of the Kansas City Chiefs’ regular season finale against the Denver Broncos.

Mahomes, 29, did not play in the game on Sunday, Jan. 5, after the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 on Christmas Day to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

This game became meaningless from a standings perspective, with the Chiefs deciding not to risk their superstar starting quarterback taking any snaps.

He was replaced by a veteran backup Carson Wentz The game begins at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

“I’ve been through this before, so I’m not too worried about it all,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid Mahomes said during an interview with reporters on Wednesday, January 1. “It gives other people a chance to grow and you can take advantage of everyone.”

Reid, 66, added, “The first thing is to make sure we stay sharp in all areas going into this game and the next few weeks… We want to stay sharp mentally and physically and that’s our responsibility as well. Responsibility for how we manage. I make sure I do that in training and then the players and coaches go out and work on it.

Wentz, 32, has attempted just two passes this season as Mahomes’ backup, but said he’s ready for this moment.

“I’m going to be ready to go out there and win and then have a good run on offense,” Wentz told reporters Wednesday.

He continued: “I think just getting reps is a huge thing. Obviously preseason helps, but even that is limited and seems like a lifetime ago. If in the playoffs It will definitely help if needed at any stage, but I’m just happy to be out there playing ball, to be honest.

The break also provides Mahomes the opportunity to continue treatment for an ankle injury he suffered on Dec. 15 when the Chiefs faced the Cleveland Browns.

Related: NFL legend Mark Schlereth blames Andy Reid for Patrick Mahomes injury

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has a tough time with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, according to NFL legend Mark Schlereth ) responsible for ankle injuries. Mahomes, 29, left the game in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, December 15, with a right ankle injury. The two-time MVP suffered a high ankle sprain […]

Mahomes left the game in the fourth quarter after being dragged down by a Browns defensive tackle. Darwin Tomlinson while being hit by a Browns defensive tackle. Mike Hall.

He was later seen being transported on a golf cart inside Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland, and his playing time was initially questioned during the Chiefs’ Dec. 21 game against the Houston Texans.

Mahomes finally started and passed 260 yards passing and a rushing touchdown, helping the team win 27-19.

When the NFL divisional playoffs begin on January 18, the Chiefs will begin their historic journey to their third consecutive Super Bowl.