All-Pro DB Tyrann Mathieu activated from Reserve/COVID list, questionable for Sunday's game against Browns

The Chiefs will have the option of Tyrann Mathieu suiting up in Week 1. They activated the Pro Bowl safety from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, but it is not yet a lock he will play Sunday.

Mathieu tested positive for the coronavirus Sept. 1, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets the team wants to monitor its standout defender after this hiatus in order to ensure he’s good to go against the Browns. Mathieu officially will carry a questionable designation for Week 1, but Saturday’s activation certainly marks a good sign for his Sunday availability.

Andy Reid said this week Mathieu could play despite not practicing over the past week and change. The All-Pro safety has been sitting in on meetings remotely, per NFL.com’s James Palmer, so he is up to date on the gameplan. The Chiefs have capitalized on Mathieu’s versatility, with the Honey Badger’s 2019 signing playing a central role in elevating Kansas City’s defense from the bottom-tier unit it was in 2018.

Mathieu, 29, intercepted six passes last season and has 10 thefts in two years with the Chiefs. He is going into a contract year and poised to cash in again. With only one playoff bye available under the league’s new playoff format, Sunday’s Browns-Chiefs matchup takes on greater importance. Mathieu being on the field will aid the Chiefs against the team that nearly upset them in last year’s divisional round. Mathieu intercepted a pass in that narrow victory.