Patrick Mahomes Could Miss AFC Championship Game With Concussion
The fitness of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in doubt ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP missed the third quarter of the Divisional Round win over the Browns with a concussion.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to practice on Wednesday, and the Chiefs are cautiously optimistic he’ll be able to play.
However, it’s dependent on him going through the concussion protocol. Until then, he can only participate in limited practice. According to ESPN, Patrick Mahomes cleared ‘some big steps’ on Monday.
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“He’s in the protocol and we’ll just follow that and see how he does here in the next couple days,†Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday.
“I can’t tell you from a medical standpoint where he’s at. I don’t know that.
“I just leave that with (trainer) Rick (Burkholder) and the docs because of the protocol. It’s a no brainer for the coaching staff. You don’t have to think about it.â€
Mahomes is also dealing with a small toe injury. In spite of Reid saying he thinks ‘we’ll be alright there’, it’s one to watch out for if Mahomes plays.
A niggling toe injury could affect how he adjusts himself and sets up in the pocket. Expect the Buffalo Bills to bombard him with hits to the lower body to test his resolve.
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Meanwhile, Brett Favre has issued a warning to the Chiefs talisman regarding his concussion injury. With more and more studies into the longterm negative effects of concussions coming to the fore, the former Packers legend is one of those speaking out.
“I played 321 straight games, it kind of goes against everything I stood for when I played. But, you got to be smart. You’ve got to be smart,†he said.
“When you’re in the moment, and you’re young, you’re bulletproof, man,” Favre added.Â
“But, I’m 51 years old and I’m wondering what tomorrow will bring because of concussions more than anything.”
