Patrick Mahomes receives IV treatments for flu ahead of Chiefs-Broncos game

Patrick Mahomes will have to fight unfavorable conditions during Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

On top of the snowy conditions in Denver, the quarterback was added to the Chiefs’ injury report on Sunday morning due to an illness, but the team did not give him an injury designation that would risk him missing the Week 8 matchup.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Mahomes has the flu and has received IV fluid treatments on both Saturday and Sunday.

James Palmer of NFL Network reported that he “spiked a fever last night.”

Mahomes still intends to play but may not be at full strength by game time at 4:25 p.m.

NFL’s Ian Rapport reported that Mahomes is feeling “better today than yesterday.”

The two-time Super Bowl MVP gave one of his best performances of the season last week in a 31-17 win over the Chargers.

Mahomes went 32-for-42 for 424 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Facing the 2-5 Broncos, the Chiefs are likely hoping to not have to lean on Mahomes’ talents too much.

If needed, Mahomes’ backup is Blaine Gabbert, who briefly played in Week 3 against the Bears in the 41-10 victory. He completed 3 of 5 passes for 31 yards and two interceptions.

The Chiefs currently hold a 6-1 record — the best in the league alongside their Super Bowl 2023 foe, the Eagles — with their sole loss coming from Week 1’s 21-20 defeat to the Lions.

Kicker Harrison Butker also was under the weather this week, missing practice on Thursday due to an illness, but he returned to practice on Friday as a full participant.