Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has stopped fighting for extra yards in the open field since returning from a dislocated kneecap, choosing to slide or step out of bounds rather than absorb contact at the end of runs.
The shift is a direct response to the injury that cost him two games in October. Mahomes dislocated his right kneecap on a sneak against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 17, an injury that typically sidelines players for weeks and, in some cases, requires surgery. He returned on Nov. 3 against the Minnesota Vikings wearing a brace and has kept it on since.
The change is visible in the numbers. Mahomes has scrambled less frequently and, when he does take off, has given himself up near the line of scrimmage instead of lowering his shoulder into oncoming tacklers. The approach protects the franchise quarterback, who signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in July 2020, the largest contract in NFL history at the time.
Kansas City's offense depends on Mahomes' mobility to extend plays and convert third downs. His ability to throw from outside the pocket is what separates him from most passers in the league, and the Chiefs have built their scheme around it since he became the starter in 2018.
Mahomes has said the knee injury changed how he thinks about self-preservation. He told reporters he has to be smart about when to take hits, particularly with the Chiefs positioned for another playoff run. Kansas City has won the AFC West in each of Mahomes' seasons as the full-time starter, and the team's Super Bowl hopes rest on him staying healthy through January.
The brace itself is a factor. Mahomes has described it as restrictive when he runs, limiting his stride and making it harder to cut at full speed. He has said he plans to keep wearing it for the rest of the season as a precaution.
Mahomes won the NFL MVP award in 2018 and 2022 and has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl appearances, winning two. He threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, becoming the second player in league history to throw for 50 touchdowns in a single year.
His adjusted running style has not cost the Chiefs in the win column. Kansas City has remained among the AFC's top teams, and Mahomes continues to rank among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns despite the more conservative approach on the ground.
