There appears to be “hope and optimism” that Patrick Mahomes is making progress.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback has cleared “some big steps” within the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it’s still “too early to say” whether Mahomes will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“Additionally, Mahomes is dealing with a foot issue, per source,” Schefter tweeted Tuesday. “He still must go through certain steps to clear concussion protocol in the coming days, and there is hope and optimism, considering he is expected to practice Wednesday, per source.”
Mahomes suffered a head injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s playoff win over the Cleveland Browns, with backup Chad Henne finishing the game in his place.
Meanwhile, former NFL MVP Brett Favre told TMZ on Monday night that Mahomes should be cautious in deciding whether to play this week.
“I played 321 straight games, it kind of goes against everything I stood for when I played,” Favre said. “But you’ve gotta be smart. I was never faced with the decision that he potentially will face this week. And ultimately the decision may fall on the doctors. If they choose that he doesn’t play, then it’s the right move, because of the long-term damage.
“When you’re in the moment, and you’re young, you’re bulletproof, man. But I’m 51 years old, and I’m wondering what tomorrow will bring, because of concussions more than anything.”
Favre added that whether Mahomes is allowed to play will be “a test” for the NFL “to see a star player in a crucial, crucial game, what will happen with their decision.”
“The protocol’s in place,” Favre said. “Let’s see if they follow it.”
