Mahomes remains in concussion protocol, but returns to practice
Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained in the NFL's concussion protocol Wednesday, but practiced in a limited capacity, raising hopes that the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday's AFC title game against Buffalo.
The Chiefs typically breeze through their midweek practice with little contact before ramping things up with their longest workout Thursday, and coach Andy Reid said afterward that fit perfectly with what Mahomes was able to do.
“He looked good,” Reid said. “He's in the protocol so there's only certain things he can do, but he took all the snaps and he feels good. So, I mean, we're just going to follow this protocol as close as we possibly can.”
There are five steps in the league's return-to-play protocol: rest until signs and symptoms return to baseline clearance to begin cardio; stretching and balance training with medical oversight; an increase in exercises that includes monitored strength training; the resumption of non-contact football activities; and finally, the player is cleared by team physicians and passes an independent neurological exam, at which point he is cleared to practice and play.
Reid didn't specify which step Mahomes was in Wednesday, but the work he described coincides with the fourth step. If all goes well, that could mean the Chiefs' quarterback is cleared to participate more fully in practice Thursday or Friday.
“He's done well up to this point and they just progress you through the day,” Reid said, “so today was limited work and no contact, I think was the schedule for today. And that's kind of what we're doing on Wednesday, so it fit perfectly with that.”
Mahomes was hurt in the third quarter of last Sunday's 22-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns when he was tackled around the neck while keeping the ball on a quarterback option.
His head did not appear to strike the ground hard — if at all — and that led to reports that he had tweaked a nerve that runs up the neck.
Chad Henne finished the game and would be the starter if Mahomes was unable to play against the Bills.