Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged he was initially concerned when he sprained his ankle during the fourth quarter of Monday night’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While throwing a game-tying touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine, Mahomes limped to his feet and had to be helped to his feet:

According to ESPN’s Adam Teicher, Mahomes noted that he initially thought the problem was much more serious than it turned out to be, saying, “Definitely scary. I think it hurts more just because it’s the same ankle I had last week I knocked over, so it scared me.” a little. If you don’t know exactly what’s happening and you get that sharp pain, you always fear the worst.”

Mahomes was able to get to the sideline under his own power and after testing his ankle on the sideline, he was back on the field for the Chiefs on their next offensive series.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters after the game that he informed Mahomes he was taking him out and told backup Carson Wentz to get ready, but Mahomes did enough between series to show Reid that it was good to go back inside.

Mahomes showed no ill effects from the injury as he led the Chiefs on a go-ahead touchdown drive, throwing a five-yard scoring pass to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins with 4:17 remaining in regulation.

The Bucs tied the score with 27 seconds left on a one-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to wideout Ryan Miller, but that only delayed the inevitable.

Kansas City won the toss in overtime, and the Buccaneers never saw the ball again, as Mahomes marched the Chiefs 70 yards down the field in 10 plays, culminating in a two-yard touchdown run by running back Kareem Hunt at the 30 meter to be secured. 24 win.

With the win, KC improved to 8-0 on the season and remained the only NFL team left with an undefeated record.

Perhaps most importantly, Mahomes had his best statistical game of the season, going 34 of 44 for 291 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Mahomes had thrown at least one interception in each of the Chiefs’ first seven games, and he entered Monday’s game with eight touchdown passes and nine picks on the year.

While his overall numbers still leave something to be desired, Mahomes and the Kansas City offense as a whole may finally be on the right track.

It appears Mahomes once again has the No. 1 wide receiver he’s been missing since losing Rashee Rice for the season, as Hopkins recorded eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns in his second game as a member of the Chiefs.

Mahomes and Hopkins will look to further cultivate their relationship on Sunday when the Chiefs host AFC West rival Denver Broncos.