KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs are hopeful that Patrick Mahomes will be able to play next week against Minnesota, especially having practiced on a limited basis just days after dislocating his kneecap.
Hope is not lost if the reigning league MVP misses a second consecutive game.
Fill-in quarterback Matt Moore and the Kansas City defense showed in a 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night that they can keep the Chiefs season afloat until their biggest star makes his return to the field. Moore threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns without an interception while Kansas Citys defense pressured Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throughout the night.
I thought we played really well on the back end, Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. Guys up front did a good job getting to the quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers hes going to make some plays. But we felt like we left some plays out there tonight.
Packers running back Aaron Jones still caught nearly 160 yards in passes and went for two TDs, and Rodgers still made enough throws to lead the Packers to the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.
But it wasnt as if the Chiefs rolled over just because Mahomes was on the sideline.
That should give them a boost of confidence with the Vikings coming to town.
Theres always going to be something in every game. Its never as good as you think and its never as bad as you think, Moore said. Well look at it and see what we need to do moving forward.
The Chiefs (5-3) have lost three straight games at Arrowhead Stadium, a surprising slide given the way their fans provide a raucous home field atmosphere. But they are still in control of their AFC West title hopes, and that means they still have plenty to play for this season.
Especially if Moore and their defense can hold the fort until reinforcements arrive.
Yes, getting Mahomes back will be a huge boon to the Kansas City offense. But so would the return of left tackle Eric Fisher (groin) and left guard Andrew Wylie (ankle), just as the return of defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin) and defensive end Frank Clark (neck) would help out that side of the ball.
Weve got to get the numbers back, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. Get a few guys healthy here.
WHATS WORKING
The secondary, already without slot corner Kendall Fuller, lost cornerback Bashaud Breeland for a period because of a sternum injury. He returned later in the game. But with its numbers depleted, the defensive backfield still fared well against Rodgers and Co. throughout the game.
