Patrick Mahomes takes hard hit to the head in blowout loss, QB cleared to return but stays on sideline

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left Sunday’s game against Tennessee early after suffering a hit to the head from Titans defender Jeffery Simmons‘ knee. Mahomes was cleared to return, but did not go back into to the game because it was well in hand in the fourth quarter at the time. Chad Henne replaced Mahomes at quarterback the rest of the game.

With just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, trailing 27-3, Mahomes was sacked from behind by Denico Autry when Simmons accidentally gave him a knee to the head. The quarterback initially needed help to his feet, but then walked off the field to the medical tent under his own power. After being examined by a head trauma specialist for a few minutes, he emerged from the tent and spoke to head coach Andy Reid.

Mahomes completed 20-of-35 passes for 206 yards and one interception, as well as six carries for 35 yards. He also lost a fumble. It was his first game without a touchdown pass since the Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay. 

Kansas City fell to 3-4 and potentially two games back in the AFC West depending upon what happens in the late afternoon Eagles-Raiders game. The Chiefs had started 4-0 or better in each of Mahomes’ five seasons in the NFL. 

They host the Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 8.