An injury to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in their Thursday night matchup with the Denver Broncos prompted former Hart quarterback Matt Moore to enter the game in relief and help lead the Chiefs to a win.

In July, Moore could be seen on the Hart High football field helping coach the next generation of Hart talent, and on Thursday night he threw a 57-yard touchdown to NFL all-pro wide receiver Tyreke Hill.

Moore said it himself in a post-game press conference: “It’s been a wild half of a year.”

This offseason, all signs pointed to Moore fully embracing his post-playing career as he joined the Hart coaching staff after spending the 2018 season out of the league.

That all changed when Moore got a call from the Kansas City Chiefs after the third game of the preseason with an opportunity to join the team as their backup.

“Matt gives you the confidence that he can come in,” said Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid in a press conference Monday. “I think just because he’s been around a long time and had success and the way he handles himself, people have confidence in him.”

Moore had to summon that confidence against the Broncos last Thursday when Patrick Mahomes was forced to exit the game due to a knee injury in the second quarter with his team up 10-6.

“I was devastated for him. He’s been dinged up and he’s popped up pretty quick before, but this one obviously wasn’t that case, so I just hope he’s ok,” Moore said. “But at the same time, we’ve got to go win a football game. I’ve been in this position before and you just have to move forward and go and just wish the best for your buddy.”

The team later reported that Mahomes had suffered a dislocated patella.

Moore was effective in relief, as he threw the ball 10-19 for 117 yards and one touchdown, helping to propel the Chiefs to their 30-6 win in the divisional matchup.

“I’m proud to get a win and to go in and play with this team,” Moore said in the post-game press conference. “Again the circumstances are unfortunate and I wish him well, we all know that, but it feels good to come in and win the ball game.”

When asked if Mahomes would be available for Sunday’s game, Reid said, “I’d probably say it’d be a stretch for him to get there, but he’s working hard.”

The injury could cost Mahomes anywhere from three to six weeks depending on the speed of his recovery, according to officials. It now falls on Moore’s shoulders to guide this Super Bowl contender until the franchise quarterback can return.

The Chiefs are set to return home to face the blazing hot Green Bay Packers Sunday night on Sunday Night Football at 5:20 p.m.

KHTS Sports is your place for the 2019 Santa Clarita high school football season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC.