Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was eliminated in Sunday’s playoff game against the Cleveland Browns when he was awkwardly handled and appeared to be suffering from concussion-like symptoms on the field.
The Chiefs were able to defeat the Browns in some late-game feats of veteran backup quarterback Chad Henne, but as the Chiefs turn their attention to the Buffalo Bills, who will be hosting them in the AFC Championship Game, now stands one question above all others. : will Patrick Mahomes be ready to play?
An early report by FOX’s Jay Glazer gives cause for optimism.
“Right now he’s on concussion protocol,” Glazer said on FOX Sunday night. ‘You can see he’s having a hard time getting up [and] walking there, it’s more so because they say it was almost as if he was suffocated, which I know a thing or two about. Not so much a concussion, but he still has to go through the concussion protocol. However, he tried to get himself back in this match, so there is a lot of confidence he can go next week. “
This is universally good news for Mahomes and the Chiefs. If Mahomes has not suffered a concussion or other serious head or neck injury, all signs certainly seem to point to a speedy return, well in time for the Chiefs’ third consecutive AFC Championship Game.
After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spared details, but also presented an optimistic tone about Mahomes’ immediate future.
“He’s actually pretty good,” said Reid. ‘I just talked to him and he is doing well. We’ll see how he is tomorrow, but now he’s doing well. ‘
Read more: Confidence Key in Chiefs’ Divisional-Round Victory Over Browns