Charlie Riedel / Associated Press
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, but has reportedly cleared “big steps.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday there is’ hope and optimism ‘for Mahomes’ status. He is expected to train with the team on Wednesday.
The 2018 NFL MVP was diagnosed with concussion and also has to deal with a foot injury sustained Sunday in the game against the Cleveland Browns.
“He was hit in the back of the head and hit the wind from him and all the other things with it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. told reporters Sunday. “He’s doing well now, which is really positive if we look at this. All the offers he had to pass have been passed, so we’ll see where it comes from.”
Oddsmakers currently expects Mahomes to play against the Bills. The Chiefs remain the Super Bowl favorite and have opened as three-point favorites over Buffalo.
Chad Henne spelled Mahomes after leaving with concussion, completing six of eight passes for 68 yards and an interception. Henne helped the Chiefs put the Browns away by chasing 13 yards on a 3rd-and-14 game and then completing a pass to Tyreek Hill on 4-and-1.
If Mahomes failed the protocol in the days before the game, the Chiefs would become a major underdog to repeat as AFC champions. While Henne has generally been good at lighting, Mahomes is the best and most important player in football; he would be an irreplaceable absence.