Patrick Mahomes Is Practicing But His Injury Might Quietly Threaten the Chiefs’ Week 5 Game Plan

As Patrick Mahomes deals with a reported groin injury ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the story has become one of the most closely followed developments in the NFL. Newsweek recently confirmed that Mahomes, who had been listed on the Chiefs’ injury report earlier in the season with a wrist issue, is now officially dealing with a groin problem. While the two-time MVP and Super Bowl champion fully participated in Thursday’s practice session, questions remain about how the injury could affect his movement, playmaking ability, and the Chiefs’ overall offensive rhythm. This development comes at a crucial time, as the Chiefs are trying to push their record above .500 and face a Jaguars team currently sitting at 3–1. Alongside Mahomes, several teammates including Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Jawaan Taylor are also navigating minor injuries but practiced in full. This comprehensive analysis explores what Mahomes’ latest injury means for Kansas City’s immediate future, how it might change Andy Reid’s offensive strategy, and whether the Jaguars’ disciplined defense can take advantage. With Mahomes’ mobility often being a game-changing factor, any limitation could shape the outcome of this high-stakes AFC showdown.

Patrick Mahomes Added to Injury Report with Groin Issue

The Kansas City Chiefs released their Week 5 injury report, and the biggest headline was the inclusion of Patrick Mahomes with a groin injury. Earlier in the season, Mahomes had been listed due to a wrist problem sustained in the Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but that issue appears to have resolved. Now, the groin injury presents a new concern for both the player and the team as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to Newsweek’s report, Mahomes was listed on the injury report but practiced in full on Thursday, signaling optimism that he will be available for Monday night’s game. However, groin injuries are notoriously tricky, especially for quarterbacks who rely heavily on mobility to extend plays, evade pressure, and make off-script throws.

Why Groin Injuries Matter for a Mobile Quarterback

While a groin issue might seem minor compared to shoulder or knee injuries, it can significantly affect a quarterback’s performance. For Mahomes, whose game thrives on quick movements, sudden pivots, and the ability to roll out of the pocket, any restriction in lateral movement could limit his effectiveness.

This is especially critical against a Jaguars defense that Mahomes himself recently praised as “fundamentally sound.” A defense that wins with disciplined structure will aim to keep him contained, forcing him to stay in the pocket rather than creating chaos outside of it. If his groin issue hampers his ability to escape, the Chiefs may need to adjust their game plan toward shorter, quicker throws and a stronger reliance on the running game.

Other Chiefs Stars Also Managing Injuries

Mahomes isn’t the only Chief on the injury report. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle), rookie standout Xavier Worthy (shoulder), veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (knee) were all listed with injuries but fully participated in practice.

The fact that these key contributors were able to practice without restrictions is an encouraging sign. Still, for a team that thrives on timing and execution, even small injuries can disrupt chemistry. Mahomes’ ability to connect with Worthy downfield and utilize Brown’s speed could be essential in stretching Jacksonville’s disciplined secondary.

The Timing of Mahomes’ Injury Raises Stakes

The injury comes at a crucial moment. The Chiefs are looking to move their record above .500 after an uneven start to the season. With the Jaguars currently holding a 3–1 record, this Week 5 matchup carries significant weight in the AFC playoff picture.

If Mahomes is limited, the Chiefs will have to rely more heavily on Isiah Pacheco in the running game and creative play-calling from head coach Andy Reid. Reid has historically excelled at designing game plans to protect injured quarterbacks, but losing even a fraction of Mahomes’ improvisational brilliance would be a serious blow against a defense that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes.

Jaguars’ Defense Could Exploit Limited Mobility

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been among the league’s most consistent units, forcing turnovers and disrupting opposing quarterbacks with disciplined execution. If Mahomes’ groin injury restricts his movement, Jacksonville may not need to blitz heavily — instead, they can contain the edges and force him into tighter throwing windows.

This matchup could come down to whether Mahomes can stay mobile enough to escape pressure and make the spectacular plays that have defined his career. If he is even slightly limited, the Jaguars’ defensive front, led by stars like Josh Allen, will be ready to pounce.

Chiefs’ Most Recent Game Showed Their Potential

Just last week, the Chiefs reminded the league of their offensive firepower in a 37–20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Mahomes threw four touchdowns without an interception, spreading the ball efficiently among his receivers. Rookie Xavier Worthy emerged as a deep threat, while veterans like Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster provided reliability underneath.

That game highlighted what Kansas City can do when Mahomes is fully healthy: attack in multiple ways, keep defenses guessing, and dominate both through explosive plays and steady execution. However, the groin injury casts doubt on whether he can replicate that same dynamic performance against a fundamentally sound Jaguars unit.

What This Means for Kansas City Moving Forward

If Patrick Mahomes plays through the groin injury at a high level, the Chiefs could reaffirm their status as a top AFC contender and gain valuable momentum. But if his mobility is compromised, Kansas City will have to prove they can win with discipline and adaptability rather than sheer improvisational brilliance.

The Week 5 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars will not only test Mahomes’ resilience but also serve as a measuring stick for how well the Chiefs can handle adversity. With playoff implications already looming, the outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of their season.