USA TODAY International Edition
Chiefs’ Mahomes making progress toward playing
After participating in practice Wednesday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes can take another step toward playing in the AFC championship game when Kansas City returns to work on Thursday.
Mahomes “took all the snaps” and felt “good” just three days after suffering his concussion, head coach Andy Reid said. Thursday, when the Chiefs ramp up their intensity, Mahomes’ restrictions will become clearer.
“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 kind 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 Mahomes restrictions. But Mahomes is progressing toward competing in Sunday’s AFC championship game at home against the 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 for Mahomes’ route back to the AFC title game, 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 journeyman Chad Henne, who replaced Mahomes against the Browns, would be expected to start if Mahomes is unavailable.
“The goal is to have Patrick back,” five- time Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill said. “But I feel like it doesn’t matter who is 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.” Henne said he’ll be ready to go if needed. 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.”