Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes practices in limited capacity, remains in concussion protocol
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, taking another step to possibly clearing the concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills.
“He’s done well up to this point,” coach Andy Reid said of Mahomes, who remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after being knocked out of last week’s divisional-round win over the Cleveland Browns. “Today [Mahomes was allowed to do] limited work and no contact. That’s kind of what we’re doing on Wednesday, so this fit in well.”
Mahomes was listed as a full participant when the Chiefs initially released their practice report on Wednesday. The team later revised his status to limited, however, saying it is not allowed to list him as full because he remains in the concussion protocol.
Reid didn’t say what phase Mahomes is in of the five-step process to be cleared to play.
Mahomes was replaced in the third quarter of Sunday’s 22-17 victory over the Browns by veteran Chad Henne, who would start against the Bills if Mahomes is unable to play.
Pro Bowl Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White said Wednesday that Buffalo expects to be facing Mahomes on Sunday.
“This is the AFC championship, this is the game to go to the Super Bowl; we know all their best players are going to be out there. We’re preparing for Mahomes to be there, which we know he will,” White said.
Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf), running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (hip and ankle) and starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland (shoulder/concussion) were listed as limited practice participants Wednesday. Watkins and Edwards-Helaire both were inactive for the Chiefs’ victory over Cleveland. Breeland, like Mahomes, is in the concussion protocol.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss and The Associated Press contributed to this report.