Patrick Mahomes, who was pulled out of the AFC Divisional Game vs Cleveland Browns due to a concussion and toe injury, is still practicing at limited capacity as of Wednesday.
While he’s expected to be medically cleared for the AFC Championship vs Buffalo, no new information on his status is available aside from today’s practice report. If Mahomes starts the Championship this Sunday, he will be the first quarterback in NFL history to start three conference championships within his first four seasons.
“He looked good,” Andy Reid, Kansas City’s head coach assured, “He is in the protocol, so there’s only certain things he can do, and it’s a limited basis, but today is a limited practice so this fit right into what he can do. But he took all the snaps and feels good. We just have to follow this protocol as closely as we possibly can.”
Other injured members of the Chiefs roster practicing at limited capacity but not yet declared OUT of the upcoming championship game:
Willie Gay (LB - ankle injury, DNP)
Bashaud Breeland (CB - concussion, shoulder, LP)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB - ankle, hip, LP)
Rashad Fenton (CB - foot, LP)
Sammy Watkins (WR - calf, LP)
DNP = Did not participate
LP = Limited participation
What happens if Mahomes can't play?
Chad Henne stepped in for Patrick Mahomes in their last regular season game vs the Chargers on January 3rd, then again when Mahomes was ruled out with a concussion this past Sunday vs the Browns. Despite throwing a problematic interception in the end zone, Henne made a comeback with a daring but effective scramble followed by a completed pass on fourth down resulting in a new first down, securing their spot in the AFC Championship. Shortly after the game, Mahomes tweeted from the locker room #HenneThingIsPossible.
Right now it's a wait-and-see for Mahomes. We think it's safe to say that Chiefs AND Bills fans are going to be on the edge of their seats until their first-string players are declared in or out.