Is Patrick Mahomes Injured? Explaining Chiefs QB’s Spot on Kansas City Injury Report for Thanksgiving

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to carve up the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, all eyes are on their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The two-time Super Bowl MVP has been the heartbeat of Kansas City’s offense for years, but his unexpected appearance on the team’s Week 13 injury report has sent ripples of concern through Chiefs Kingdom. With the Chiefs clinging to a 6-5 record and fighting for an AFC playoff spot, any hint of vulnerability from Mahomes feels like a seismic event. So, is Patrick Mahomes truly injured? And what does his listing mean for Thursday’s marquee matchup at AT&T Stadium? Let’s break it down.

The short answer: Yes, technically, Mahomes is nursing a minor groin strain sustained during Kansas City’s gritty 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. The injury is minor, and Mahomes has been a full participant in all practices leading up to the holiday clash. By Wednesday’s final injury report, he was completely removed from the list, carrying no designation heading into the game. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed as much during his pre-game presser, calling it a “precautionary note” rather than a red flag. “Pat’s fine,” Reid said with his trademark grin. “He’s been throwing lasers all week. We’re good.”

The groin issue cropped up late in the Colts game, a thriller that saw Kansas City rally from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit. Mahomes, ever the gunslinger, scrambled for a key first down in overtime, extending a drive that set up kicker Harrison Butker’s game-winning 27-yard field goal. It was a vintage Mahomes moment—352 passing yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and four sacks endured—but the physical toll was evident. Post-game, the 29-year-old QB limped slightly off the field, clutching his hip. “Felt a little tweak,” Mahomes admitted afterward. “But nothing that’s gonna keep me out. We’ve got bigger fish to fry.”

Monday’s estimated injury report—filed without a full practice due to the short Thanksgiving week—listed Mahomes as a full participant despite the groin strain. This was no surprise; the Chiefs’ medical staff had already downplayed it internally. By Tuesday’s actual practice at their One Arrowhead Way facility, Mahomes was slinging passes with his usual zip, connecting on deep balls to wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Wednesday’s session sealed the deal: full participation across the board, no limitations. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Mahomes, along with Rice (hamstring), Worthy (ankle), and running back Isiah Pacheco (knee), were all officially off the injury report and “good to go” against Dallas. It’s a sigh of relief for a fanbase that’s seen too many close calls this season.

To understand why Mahomes’ name even appeared, context is key. Groin strains are sneaky in the NFL—common for mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes, who boasts 318 rushing yards and four scores on the ground this year. They can flare up from explosive scrambles or awkward falls, as seen in Week 12 when he dove for extra yardage. The NFL mandates teams report all ailments, no matter how trivial, to maintain transparency. For Kansas City, listing it early was smart: it quells speculation and allows for load management in a compressed schedule. With only one full practice day before facing the Cowboys, the Chiefs couldn’t afford surprises.

This isn’t Mahomes’ first dance with the injury bug. Last season, he dealt with a high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for two games, forcing backup Carson Wentz into the spotlight. The Chiefs went 0-2 without him, underscoring how indispensable No. 15 has become. This year, Kansas City’s offense has sputtered at times—averaging just 21.3 points per game, down from their explosive 2024 mark—partly due to offensive line woes and receiver injuries. Mahomes’ 2,977 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions reflect a workmanlike effort, but his dual-threat ability remains the X-factor. Without him at 100%, Thursday’s game could tilt toward Dallas, a 5-5-1 squad hungry for a statement win under new interim coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Speaking of the Cowboys, their injury report paints a picture of chaos. Wide receiver George Pickens (knee/calf) was a non-participant early in the week but upgraded to full by Wednesday, while left tackle Tyler Guyton (high ankle) is out, paving the way for Nate Thomas to start. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (elbow) and safety Donovan Wilson (neck) are questionable, potentially weakening Dallas’ front seven. For the Chiefs, the flipside is brighter. Pacheco, out since Week 9 with an MCL sprain, returns after a full week of practice. His explosiveness (4.6 yards per carry pre-injury) could complement Kareem Hunt’s steady 104-yard outing against Indy. Rice and Worthy, both limited early, are cleared, giving Mahomes his full complement of weapons. Tight end Travis Kelce, ever the ageless wonder, joked post-practice, “Pat’s groin? Please. That man’s unbreakable.”

Broader Chiefs news this week has been a mixed bag of resilience and resolve. The overtime win over the Colts snapped a two-game skid that included frustrating losses to the Bills and Chargers, boosting playoff odds to 66% per ESPN analytics. Running back Hunt has been a revelation since joining midseason, grinding out tough yards and providing a goal-line punch. Defensively, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit held Indy to 20 points despite two turnovers, with linebacker Nick Bolton’s eight-tackle performance earning praise. Off the field, the Chiefs announced expanded holiday initiatives, including toy drives for over 5,000 local kids and a “RefReps” program training 100+ high school girls flag football officials. It’s classic Kansas City: winning on Sundays, giving back the other six days.

As for Thanksgiving itself, Mahomes couldn’t hide his excitement. A Texas native raised in Whitehouse, about 100 miles from Dallas, this is a homecoming of sorts. “Playing on Thanksgiving? Dream come true,” he said. “Gonna be surreal—family in the stands, turkey on the mind.” The game tips at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, with CBS’ Jim Nantz on the call. Analysts favor the Chiefs by 2.5 points, citing Mahomes’ 3-0 record in Thanksgiving games (though he’s never played Dallas before). The winner claims the quirky Preston Road Trophy, a nod to the highway linking Kansas City and Dallas.

In the grand scheme, this injury scare is a footnote in Mahomes’ legend. At 29, with three Super Bowl rings and two MVPs, he’s the league’s gold standard. His message to a banged-up locker room? “Everyone’s nicked up this time of year,” he told reporters Tuesday. “But you’ve gotta fight through it. Play your best football when it counts.” With Trey Smith (ankle) and Noah Gray (concussion) ruled out—along with cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace (back)—the Chiefs will lean on depth pieces like guard Jaylon Moore and tight end Robert Tonyan. It’s a test of resolve, but if Mahomes is slinging it, Kansas City thrives.

Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium promises fireworks: Mahomes vs. Dak Prescott, red helmets clashing with the Star. For Chiefs fans, it’s more than a game—it’s a reminder that even with a groin twinge, their QB rises. Expect Mahomes to feast, leading KC to a 27-24 nail-biter. Gobble gobble, Chiefs Kingdom. The kingdom endures.