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Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Arden Key escaped fine for his hit on Patrick Mahomes but was fined $15,914 for a roughing the passer penalty against Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Chad Henne. Near the end of the first quarter of the wild-card round game between the Jaguars and Chiefs, Key landed on the ankle of Mahomes.
While Mahomes was out, backup quarterback Henne was in at the quarterback spot for the Chiefs in the second quarter. "The NFL didn’t fine #Jaguars OLB Arden Key for the hit that injured Patrick Mahomes’ ankle last week — but Key was fined $15,914 for roughing #Chiefs backup QB Chad Henne in the second quarter," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
The NFL didn’t fine #Jaguars OLB Arden Key for the hit that injured Patrick Mahomes’ ankle last week — but Key was fined $15,914 for roughing #Chiefs backup QB Chad Henne in the second quarter. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2023
Mahomes returned to the game after the Key hit
Mahomes wanted to keep playing but the Chiefs first wanted him checked out by the doctors.
After receiving a medical intervention on his ankle, Mahomes returned to the field in the second half and led the Chiefs to a 27-20 win over the Jaguars. Mahomes, who was visibly far from his best after suffering the ankle injury, later earned praise from Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.
“I didn’t see it other than him being tackled from behind. I didn’t see the whole play. I am sure he got something rolled. Probably one of the players got rolled up on the back of his legs on that. Hats off to him for gutting it out there in the second half and sticking with it and playing hurt.
That is a sign of a true leader and a winner and that is what he is," Pederson said of Mahomes. This past weekend, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game. Mahomes wasn't at his best but he still managed to lead the Chiefs to a win.
Next Sunday, Mahomes and company will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. It remains to be seen how fit will Mahomes be for the Super Bowl.