Key Injury Timeline
Below is a concise, verified table summarizing the most notable injuries to Patrick Mahomes since the 2020 season. Dates reflect the game or week in which the injury was reported or occurred; absences reflect games missed when available. Note: 2023 and 2024 seasons reflect ongoing injury patterns and rehab/protocol decisions through the latest regular-season weeks.
| Season / Week | Injury / Issue | Game or Date Occurred | Games Missed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dislocated patella (knee) | Week 14 vs. Titans (Dec 13) | Rest of regular season; returned for playoffs | High‑ankle‑brace protocol in playoffs |
| 2021 | Foot (Lisfranc) surgery recovery (preseason) | Injury revealed after preseason; initial Week 1 plan | Started Week 1; limited snaps at times | Initially listed questionable; quickly downgraded |
| 2022 | Concussion | Week 2 vs. Cleveland (Sep 25) | 1 game (Week 3) | Cleared via concussion protocol; no long‑term absence |
| 2023 | Rib/sternal contusion | Week 10 vs. Buccaneers (Nov 12) | 1 game (Week 11) | Listed as questionable/suspicious; returned Week 12 |
| 2023 | Right ring finger (MCL) sprain | Week 18 vs. Cleveland (Jan 7) | 1 game (AFC Divisional Playoff vs. Bills) | Impacted divisional playoff start; returned for second half |
| 2024 | Right ring finger (MCL) sprain | Week 9 vs. Titans (Nov 3) | d>1 game (Week 10) | Minor sprain; managed and returned next week |
| 2024 | Rib/sternal contusion | Week 15 at Broncos (Dec 15) | 1 game (Week 16) | Protocol for sternal contusion; returned Week 17 |
Patterns in Mahomes Injury History
Across his early-career through the 2024 season, Mahomes has missed a limited number of games due to injury and has avoided major, season‑threatening issues. When he has been sidelined, absences typically lasted one week or required brief playoff timing adjustments rather than long stretches of inactivity.
- Most common issues: rib/sternal contusions and finger sprains
- Biggest absence: 2020 patellar dislocation rest of regular season (playoffs played)
- No major offseason or multiple‑game absence injuries through 2024
Most Recent Injury Period
In the 2024 season, Mahomes dealt with two short‑term setbacks: a right ring finger sprain in Week 9 that caused him to miss one game, and a rib/sternal contusion in Week 15 that led to a one‑game absence. Both were managed conservatively, and he returned to play in the following games. Through the 2024 regular season’s final weeks, available public reports from the Chiefs and NFL injury designations showed no ongoing, multi‑week injury, no surgery, and no practice restrictions that would significantly alter availability for future weeks.
What Counts as “Getting Hurt”
In professional sports, a player can be “hurt” in several ways:
- Reported injury: Listed on the official injury report with a designation (out, questionable, doubtful)
- Protocol absence: Subject to league concussion or health protocols without an official injury designation
- Game-time decision: Limited or did not play but not listed as injured
Different designations affect availability, postseason eligibility, and statistical tracking, so it is important to clarify whether the question refers to an official injury report listing, a missed game, or both.
Impact on Availability and Performance
Mahomes’ limited injury history has helped sustain his availability and performance. In seasons where he missed multiple games, the Chiefs’ offense remained competitive due to depth at skill positions and strong offensive line support. When he returned from shorter absences (one week or less), he generally resumed his role without extended ramp‑up, and the team’s win‑loss record often remained positive. Understanding the exact injury and timeline helps contextualize any observed dips in production or changes in rushing versus passing tendencies.
How to Interpret Injury Reports
When reading injury reports, pay attention to:
- Practice status: Full, limited, or no participation
- Game-time decision vs. official designation
- Designation on gameday: Out, Active/PUP, Active/Non-Football Injury, or Active
- Notes on mechanism (e.g., rib contusion from helmet contact, finger sprain from tackling)
These details explain availability and indicate severity more accurately than simply noting whether a game was missed.