Just before the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 6 Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos, a surprising twist occurred. Punter Tommy Townsend appeared on the injury report with a knee injury last Wednesday. He was limited in the final practice session, and his status for the game was in question.
Although Townsend did end up playing and punting in the Chiefs’ 19-8 victory, it raised the question: What if he couldn’t play? According to special teams coordinator Dave Toub, the Chiefs have an unexpected backup punter in star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Toub shared, “We had a plan, and believe it or not, 15 is our backup punter. He can do it. He shows me all the time. He can do it all, that guy. It’s unbelievable.”
Fortunately, the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, ranked fourth in the league by yards per game, doesn’t punt frequently. Townsend averages just three punts per game, ranking 26th in the NFL.
Mahomes even took to social media to mention his secondary duty, indicating that he takes pride in this unique role.
The two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback has had an impressive season, throwing for 1,593 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions in six games. However, he has yet to make his first career punt. As the Chiefs prepare to host the rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the question of when Mahomes might make a punt, posed by JJ Watt on social media, remains unanswered. Mahomes responded with, “Waiting for the right moment! Patience is key.”
