KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Three days after exiting the AFC Divisional win over Cleveland, Patrick Mahomes returned to practice Wednesday for the Chiefs.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said it was a lighter day at practice, but Mahomes “took all the snaps and he feels good.”
Championship game prep ⏰🐎 pic.twitter.com/5vxQvFXYhf
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 20, 2021
Mahomes was placed in the NFL concussion protocol after being knocked from a 22-17 win last Sunday in the third quarter.
He was injured on an option run, when he kept the ball rather than pitching it and Cleveland linebacker Mack Wilson tackled him around the neck.
Last season, after Mahomes suffered a dislocated kneecap on a quarterback sneak at Denver, Reid has not called another QB sneak.
Designed QB runs can be stripped from the Chiefs’ playbook, but scrambling is a big part of Mahomes’ playmaking and can’t be completely eliminated.
“It’s hard to stop somebody from using their legs and running, when they choose to run,” Reid said.
Mahomes' ability to practice Wednesday is a promising sign for his availability Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
“He looked good," Reid said. "He’s just in the protocol, so there’s only certain things he could do."
Mahomes also has a toe injury, which he picked up versus Cleveland.
Backup quarterback Chad Henne, who replaced Mahomes against the Browns, said he'll be ready in the event Mahomes can't play.
Reid said linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, is the only player “who really didn’t practice.”
Mahomes was listed as a full participant on the Chiefs' official injury report.
Cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who also left the Browns game with a concussion, practiced Wednesday as well, but Reid said he also remains in the league’s concussion protocol.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, wide receiver Sammy Watkins and cornerback Rashad Fenton were among those who returned to practice.
“It would be good to have both those guys back,” wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. said of Edwards-Helaire and Watkins. “Hopefully, they can be healthy.”
Breeland, Edwards-Helaire, Watkins and Fenton were listed as limited practice participants.
Five players were limited or did not practice for the Bills.
Defensive tackle Vernon Butler (quad) and wide receiver Gabriel Davis (ankle) sat out, while wide receiver Stefon Diggs (oblique) and defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (ankle) were limited. Quarterback Jake Fromm also was a limited participant, but it is not injury related.
