After one practice, Patrick Mahomes calls ankle ‘better.’ But tougher workout looms

Patrick Mahomes’ bounce back has taken another another step forward.

“Progressively, I’ve gotten better throughout the week,” said Mahomes, who spent nearly all of Thursday’s meeting with reporters discussing the high-ankle sprain he suffered during Saturday’s Divisional Round victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes is “on track. He’s doing well in rehab and doing well on the field.”

But Thursday loomed as the most difficult practice day of the week for the Chiefs, who are preparing for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead.

“Today will be another, a harder practice, more speed,” Mahomes said. “Hopefully, by the end of the week, you can do what you need to help the team win.”

Mahomes was listed a full practice participant on Thursday. Also on the injury list are linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (toe) and running back Jerick McKinnon (ankle) as full participant. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman (pelvis) was listed as a limited participant.

Asked if his mobility could be limited on Sunday, Mahomes said he won’t know for certain until the game starts.

“I still feel like I can do a lot of things,” he said. “In a game, your adrenaline takes over and you can make those throws if you need to.”

During the part of practice that was open to reporters, roughly the first 10 minutes that includes stretching and light jogging, Mahomes was skipping and moving laterally.

Against the Jaguars, Mahomes finished the second-quarter series in which he was injured, then gave way to reserve Chad Henne for the final two series of first half, including a final-play knee-down.

Mahomes returned and played the entire second half but didn’t have any pass attempts outside the pocket.

“He’s a competitive person, a competitive player,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. “He just refuses to accept he’s not going to be out there with his teammates.”