Kansas City could place the ball in the hands of a 31-year-old journeyman who has bounced across the NFL.
The Chiefs could also turn to a former top draft pick who went 11-2 as a starter, finished third in MVP voting, and once was a franchise quarterback for the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles.
GettyPatrick Mahomes could miss a couple games for the Chiefs[/caption]
With Patrick Mahomes week-to-week due to a mild high-ankle sprain, the Chiefs must balance Mahomes’ health and playoff availability against the season-long pursuit of the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
That has Chiefs fans staring directly at Carson Wentz, who has made $132 million in his nine-year career but has been on five teams in the last five seasons.
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid believes in Wentz, which means that the Chiefs could make him the starter on Saturday against the Houston Texans.
“I like the way he carries himself,” Reid said as he prepares for the second of three games in 12 days.
“I like everything about him. He should be starting in this league somewhere, so he’s a heck of a player.”
Buffalo and Pittsburgh are attempting to surpass a Chiefs team that is 13-1 but has often been referred to as the “luckiest” squad in NFL history.
If Mahomes is rested and Wentz receives the nod, Reid is certain that Kansas City can keep moving forward.
“We have full confidence in Carson,” Reid said.
“If he has to step in and play, then I think everybody — coaches and players — has full confidence that he can go in and do a nice job.
“He’s started in the league and been successful. He’s got a great feel for this offense. Very smart, big arm.”
GettyWentz is Mahomes’ back up in Kansas City[/caption]
GettyThe former Eagles star has played for several teams in recent years[/caption]
Mahomes hasn’t been ruled out vs the Texans and he was listed as a full participant in Tuesday’s practice.
But after dealing with ankle injuries in the past, including during a tough Super Bowl win against the Eagles, the three-time title winner knows he must balance his health and pride for a Chiefs team who also play on Christmas Day.
“I want to be able to move. I want to be able to get out of the way,” Mahomes said.
“You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way. Obviously, it’s football and you’re going to take hits, but you want to be able to protect yourself.
“So that’ll be where I’m at and I don’t want to limit the game plan. … It’s about me finding that balance and seeing where I’m at.”
Wentz was drafted at No. 2 overall in 2016 out of North Dakota State.
The 6ft 5in and 237lb QB served in some ways as a predecessor to Josh Allen, proving that a small school QB with a large build could excel in the modern NFL.
He’s 47-45-1 during his career with 22,312 passing yards, 153 touchdowns, 67 interceptions and an 89.4 rating.
If Went gets the ball and wins with the Chiefs, becoming a starter in 2025 somewhere else in the NFL could become a realistic option for the former MVP candidate.
“Selfishly, I’d like to keep him here in his position,” Reid said.
“But I kind of know what’s going on out there with quarterbacks and this guy is I think really good.”
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