Patrick Mahomes avoided a major injury when an MRI on his throwing elbow revealed no major damage following the Kansas City Chiefs’ 35-12 victory over the New York Jets on November 8, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium, according to Fox News.
The Second-Quarter Hit
With 1:33 left in the second quarter and the Chiefs leading 14-12, Jets edge rusher David Bailey hit Mahomes’ right arm during a strip-sack. Will McDonald IV and Darrell Jackson Jr. also converged on the play, forcing a fumble that McDonald recovered in Kansas City territory, according to The Times of India.
Here's Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes talking about his elbow injury postgame. Questions from @vgregorian. pic.twitter.com/6pY4upmscs
Mahomes stayed down on the turf, grasping his right elbow in obvious pain before walking toward the bench with his arm hanging limp. Assistant athletic trainer Julie Frymyer immediately went to work on the sideline, playing catch with the quarterback and keeping his arm loose as the medical staff evaluated the joint.
Return to the Field
Despite the frightening scene, Mahomes did not miss a single offensive snap. After a Chris Jones sack and a missed field goal by Jason Sanders, Mahomes trotted back onto the field for Kansas City’s next series.
Patrick Mahomes on his right arm: “I mean, if I’m able to play, I’m going to play. It scares you at moments. … Obviously, it didn’t feel great.” pic.twitter.com/LkEhHhg6i8
He promptly completed a 12-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce and scrambled up the middle for a 7-yard gain. After halftime, he helped direct a touchdown drive that extended the lead to 21-12 on the way to a 35-12 blowout win.
Mahomes finished the afternoon completing 23 of 31 pass attempts for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Andy Reid admitted he was unsure if his quarterback would return until the series was about to start.
When you have a quarterback that’s tough, it affects everybody. Nobody does it better than he does it.
Andy Reid, Head Coach
Mahomes Avoids Major Injury After Elbow Strain
Following the victory, Mahomes underwent an MRI exam. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported via X that the tests confirmed no major damage, though the elbow strain and sprain will be monitored over the coming days for pain and swelling.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes underwent an MRI following today’s win and sources say the tests did not reveal a major injury. Mahomes’ elbow strain/sprain will be monitored over the next few days for pain and swelling. But so far, so good. Mahomes did go back in the game.
Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Mahomes acknowledged that the injury brought back memories of his December 15 knee surgery and noted that elbow and knee injuries carry inherent anxiety. However, once he threw the football on the sideline, he grew confident the issue was muscular rather than ligamentous.
Once I threw the football, I knew it wasn’t — hopefully, I haven’t done the test yet, it wasn’t ligament-type stuff, it was more muscle-type stuff. That’ll be important to kinda get worked out this week.
Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
Mahomes stated clearly that he intends to continue playing through the discomfort.
If I’m able to play, I’m going to play
Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
The Chiefs travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on November 15, giving the training staff six days to manage the swelling and fluid in the quarterback’s throwing arm.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes underwent an MRI following today’s win and sources say the tests did not reveal a major injury. Mahomes’ elbow strain/sprain will be monitored over the next few days for pain and swelling. But so far, so good. Mahomes did go back in the game. pic.twitter.com/uWPbBY3Gaa
Worthy Hamstring Strain Complicates Receiving Corps Depth
While the team received positive news regarding its franchise quarterback, Kansas City is also managing several other roster situations as the trade deadline approaches and the team prepares for its next matchup.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy sustained a hamstring strain during the game against the New York Jets and currently carries no confirmed timetable for his return. The potential absence of Worthy places additional importance on the receiving corps, as the front office has previously monitored potential wide receiver additions such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs.