Chad Henne News

Though starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared to aggravate his Grade 2 right high-ankle sprain late in the second quarter of the Super Bowl, Henne's services ultimately weren't needed in the second half while Mahomes played through the pain and guided Kansas City to victory. Henne had previously relieved an injured Mahomes for a brief spell in the divisional-round matchup with the Jaguars, stepping in to direct a touchdown drive before the star signal-caller returned to action. The 37-year-old Henne will walk away from the game as a two-time Super Bowl champion, with both titles coming during his five-year stint with the Chiefs. Prior to his time in Kansas City, Henne entered the NFL as a second-round pick of Miami in 2008, spending four years with the organization before a six-year stopover in Jacksonville. Henne retires with a 59.6 percent completion rate for 13,290 yards, 60 touchdowns and 63 interceptions to go with 351 rushing yards and four scores on the ground over his 78 career regular-season appearances.

When starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain in the aftermath of the Chiefs' Jan. 21 win over the Jaguars in the divisional round, Henne looked as though he would at least be in line for increased work with the first-team offense in practice ahead of the AFC Championship Game. However, Mahomes ended up taking on all his usual work in practice and was able to handle all 66 of the Chiefs' snaps on offense against the Bengals, playing at close to his usual effectiveness despite being visibly hobbled by the ankle issue. Henne, who completed five of seven attempts for 23 yards and a touchdown in relief of Mahomes for a brief spell in the divisional round, likely won't be needed in the Super Bowl unless Mahomes succumbs to a setback with the ankle or picks up another injury in the Chiefs' upcoming matchup with the Eagles on Feb. 12.

Henne has proven capable of commanding Kansas City's offense in emergency circumstances across his five-year stint with the team, so doesn't come as any sort of surprise to see him be retained. Of course, Henne only really carries fantasy intrigue as a roster handcuff to Mahomes, and even then likely only in multi-QB formats.

Henne entered the game late in the fourth quarter in relief of Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a head injury. Mahomes was cleared of a concussion and told the media after the game that he was feeling fine, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. That likely means Henne will find himself back on the bench for a Week 8 matchup against the Giants, though it will be worth monitoring Mahomes' practice participation throughout the week.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne will replace Patrick Mahomes (head/neck) in Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Henne will enter the game in the fourth quarter as the Chiefs trail the Titans 27-3. Mahomes suffered an apparent head or neck injury and was helped from the field. The Chiefs haven't had to deploy Henne yet this season, but the veteran quarterback famously salvaged the Chiefs' postseason run in 2020 after Mahomes exited with a separate concussion.

Henne took over in the third quarter with the Chiefs up 19-10 and driving. Kansas City got a field goal on that possession, but after Cleveland responded with a touchdown, Henne threw an inexcusable interception in the end zone on a ball lofted out well over his receiver's head. He made amends on the ensuing possession after the Chiefs' defense got a much-needed stop, as Henne got within inches of the first down with a headfirst dive to cap a dramatic 3rd-and-14 scramble, then found Tyreek Hill to convert on fourth down and bring on victory formation. If Mahomes is unable to clear the league's five-step concussion protocol by next week's AFC Championship Game against the Bills, Henne would be in line to make his first career postseason start.