It Might Be Carson Wentz Time for the Chiefs

Seven years after a season-ending ACL tear ruined his holiday season, a late-season injury to Patrick Mahomes could open the door for Carson Wentz to revive his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mahomes suffered a "mild high-ankle sprain" late in Sunday's 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media: 

Sources: #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high-ankle sprain following tests, and he’s still considered week-to-week. Tests confirmed initial thoughts.

The schedule is tough, with a Saturday game then a quick turnaround for Christmas. pic.twitter.com/WiMXjyDqqT

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2024

Typically, the "week-to-week" designation is given to a player who is expected to miss at least one game. In this case, it may very well be multiple for Mahomes. 

The Chiefs will have a quick turnaround after Sunday's win, as they will host the Houston Texans Saturday afternoon. The turnaround after that will be even quicker, as they will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers just four days later in the Netflix special on Christmas Day. There seems to be a distinct possibility that as the Chiefs try to make sure Mahomes is as healthy as possible for the postseason, Wentz starts one or both of those games. 

Wentz completed both of his pass attempts Sunday, though the game was in hand by the time he entered it. His most recent start came in Week 18 a season ago, when as a member of the Los Angeles Rams he completed 17 of 24 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 21-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers. That came after one-year stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders. 

It will be interesting to see if Wentz can revive his career to some degree playing under Reid. He won't have great skill-position talent around him, but he's in an excellent system. He should be as healthy as he's been in his NFL career. And if he shows something over a couple starts, don't rule out the possibility that a team looking for a bridge quarterback in 2025 considers Wentz, who will turn 32 later this month. It's not considered a great quarterback draft class, and particularly if the Minnesota Vikings either re-sign or franchise tag Sam Darnold, the free-agent options won't be much better. 

In the nearly four seasons since Wentz last played for the Eagles, there's no question he's been humbled. Some would argue he needed to be. But how great of a story would it be if he finds a way now to pick himself up off the mat?