Mahomes takes `all the snaps' as concussion protocol goes on
Good news a waited Kansas City Chiefs fans on Wednesday afternoon.
Star quarterback Patrick Ma homes, though in concussion protocol and battling a toe injury ,“took all the snaps” and“feels good ,” head coach Andy Reid said.
The Chiefs held a light practice Wednesday, Mahomes returning to the field just three days after sustaining a concussion in a 22-17 win over the Cleveland Browns.
“He's done well up to this point and they just progress you through( each) day ,” Reid said .“So today was work – limited work – and no contact, I think, was the schedule today. That's ki nd of what we're doing on Wednesday, so it fit in perfectly.”
Officially, the injury report designated Mahomes as limited to reflect what he could do in a full practice format. Thursday's practice work will indicate more precisely any remaining Ma homes restrictions. But Mahomes is progressing toward competing in Sunday' s AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills.
The NFL's five-phase concussion protocol delineates stages from symptom-limited activity to aerobic exercise to football-specific exercise for 30 minutes or less. Club-based non-contact training drills is the step immediately before full football activity clearance. An independent neurological consultant must examine a player before he is cleared.
That's the blueprint f or Ma homes' route back to competing against Buffalo in Sunday' s AFC championship, the third straight at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs aim to become the first NFL team to defend their Super Bowl title since the Patriots in 2004-05.
Veteran journey man Chad Henne, who replaced Ma homes against the Browns, would be expected to start if Ma homes is unavailable.
“The goal is to have Patrick back ,” five-time Pro Bowl receiver Ty reek Hill said .“But I feel like it doesn't matter who out there. Whoever steps in at quarterback, we're going to put our confidence in. … If Chad come in the game and he's feeling like awkward or something like that then who knows man how that game will turn out. But I feel like the moment he came in, guys were patting him on the back, showing him love, making plays strong.
“That really helps a guy out.”
Mahomes sustained the concussion halfway through the third quarter in the division al contest when he scrambled on an option play, facing third-and-1. Browns linebacker Mack Wilson wrapped Mahomes just short
of the chains. Ma homes rolled over then pressed the ground, attempting to stand. He instead wobbled, his teammates quick to grasp him until trainers were in place. Mahomes' eyes appeared out of focus as he walked slowly off the field between trainers.
He was evaluated in a sideline blue medical tent and then the locker room, ruled out shortly after as he entered NFL concussion protocol. Henne, a 13-year NFL journeyman, replaced Mahomes and completed 6-of-8 passes for 66 yards and an interception. Henne was sacked with 2:33 to play, the game on the line, when he barreled 13 yards to set up fourth-and-1. The Chiefs didn't force the Browns offside, or punt, or run. Reid keyed up a quick pass to speedy receiver Tyreek Hill in the flat. Henne converted. The Chiefs won. And Mahomes, from concussion protocol in the locker room, tweeted an iconic “# Hen ne Thing Is Possible .”
“He came in the huddle and was just crisp as can be, spitting out the play calls
perfectly, no hesitation,” left tackle Eric Fisher said. “He was ready to go.”
Henne said he'll be ready to go if needed against the Bills. He'll continue to take mental reps, dropping back and going through his progressions to the side any time Mahomes is cycling through team snaps. After practice, Henne said, he and fellow quarterback Matt Moore ensure they get throws in.
“For my preparation, it's going to stay the same,” Henne said. “Prepare like you're the starter each and every week no matter what happens.”
Chiefs teammates, will, too. Hill – who caught eight catches f or 110 yards l ast week, three for 32 by way of from Henne – expects the group to step up and compete, regardless who's behind center.
“We're still going to compete because it's still in us,” Hill said. “We can't just not go out there Sunday and play hard. We wouldn't be playing at the highest level if it wasn't in us.”