The New England Patriots need all the help they can get against a strong and determined Kansas City Chiefs team. And on Friday, it seems their prayers have been answered.
During his Friday press conference, Bill Belichick confirmed to reporters that Demario Douglas has cleared concussion protocol and “should be available” for Sunday's game.
The star rookie has been a bright spot in the offense this season for New England and will provide quarterback Bailey Zappe with an additional weapon.
Douglas suffered a concussion in the Patriots loss to the New York Giants after getting clotheslined by special teams player Cam Brown. Because of that he entered protocol and was forced to miss New England's Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This was a controversial hit, with Brown not being fined afterwards.
Despite only playing in 10 of the team's 13 games this season, Douglas leads the Patriots with 410 receiving yards on 36 reception. Only Rhamondre Stevenson and Kendrick Bourne have more receptions, but both are injured with Bourne out for the season and Stevenson's status still unknown.
While the Patriots will get Douglas back, the status of one of the Chiefs' biggest weapons is still in question. Running back Isiah Pacheco has not practiced this week after having been sidelined since Kansas City's game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 3.
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