As everyone in the football community closely monitors Patrick Mahomes’ condition, a major question arises: should he play or rest?

Kansas City Chiefs supporters were anxious when their star quarterback left the field limping during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s victory against the Cleveland Browns after an awkward tackle. Fortunately, the injury was diagnosed as a “mild high-ankle sprain,” avoiding fears of something more serious.

The two-time Super Bowl MVP has been assigned a “week-to-week” injury status, indicating he might not participate in their Week 16 game against the Houston Texans. There’s been extensive discussion about what Mahomes should do this week, particularly since the Chiefs are facing three games within an 11-day period, something Mahomes mentioned before isn’t pleasant.

As they prepare for Week 16, the Chiefs are currently the top seed in the AFC, holding a two-game advantage over the Buffalo Bills. Although Kansas City could manage without Mahomes for a game, they also hope to clinch the top seed early, allowing him extra rest as the regular season wraps up.

Amid Kansas City’s deliberations, NFL figures have already shared their opinions on the best course of action.

ESPN’s Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark: Mahomes should sit out the remainder of the regular season

ESPN analysts and former NFL players Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark both believe that Mahomes should not only sit for this week’s game but possibly the rest of the regular season.

“It’s crucial to be smart about how we protect him as we approach the playoffs,” Clark stated. “While the Buffalo Bills are close contenders, ensuring Patrick Mahomes is healthy is more important than rushing for home-field advantage.”

Spears echoed Clark’s sentiment, mentioning that “getting home field means nothing if he isn’t healthy.”

“I understand the desire for home games, but if he is unable to perform at full capacity, he should be rested until the playoffs,” he added.

Matt Ryan: ‘There’s no advantage’ to playing Mahomes in the next two weeks

Fellow former quarterback and MVP Matt Ryan emphasized that maintaining Mahomes’ health for the playoffs is paramount. He noted that although Mahomes has dealt with ankle injuries in the past, playing through such an injury in the playoffs can be challenging.

With Kansas City facing Houston on Saturday and then Pittsburgh just four days later on Christmas, Ryan suggested that they could bring Mahomes back by Week 18 to regain some rhythm before the playoffs. However, he believes the team can afford some time off for him.

“I fully support giving him some time to recover and ensuring he is in top shape, as having him fit is essential for a run toward their third Super Bowl,” Ryan said. “It’s a cautious approach I advocate because I really see no benefit in him playing these next two weeks.”

Kyle Brandt: Chiefs should keep Mahomes off the field

Kyle Brandt from “Good Morning Football” argued that when it comes to winning versus protecting Mahomes, Kansas City should opt for keeping him off the field.

“I’m not just referring to the next game, or Christmas; I would suggest resting him throughout the final week of the regular season as well,” he said.

He mentioned that even if it leads to Kansas City losing out on the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage, Mahomes has demonstrated he can succeed in the playoffs on the road, and could do so again this year. However, if he’s hindered during the postseason, the team’s chances diminish significantly due to the currently less explosive offense.

“Having Mahomes at 70% isn’t viable this year. Not with this team, which has struggled offensively and is competing in a tough AFC,” Brandt said.

James Jones: Rest Mahomes during Week 16, then evaluate for Christmas

Considering the tight schedule in Weeks 16 and 17, former NFL receiver James Jones recommended that Mahomes should sit out the game against Houston and then reassess his readiness for the Pittsburgh matchup.

“Let’s check in on Christmas, see how he feels, and prepare for the game afterward,” Jones said. “It’s all about ensuring he is well-prepared for the playoffs. The approach must be careful when dealing with Patrick.”