Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs Pro Bowl S Tyrann Mathieu returns to practice

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/27/22

The Kansas City Chiefs are one win away from becoming the first team since the 2019 New England Patriots to make three straight Super Bowl appearances . Aside from all of the preparation for their Sunday opponent -- the Cincinnati Bengals -- the Chiefs are keeping a close eye on the status of star safety Tyrann Mathieu, who has been in the concussion protocol this week.

There was a welcome sight for Kansas City fans Thursday afternoon, as Mathieu made his return to the practice field for the first time since exiting the team's AFC divisional-round game against the Buffalo Bills.

Chiefs S Tyrann Mathieu back on the practice field today. The entire team was present for work. pic.twitter.com/DLVHXz7zO8
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) January 27, 2022

Despite not seeing the field on Wednesday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that the three-time Pro Bowler was doing well and had a "chance" to play against Cincinnati. Mathieu is coming off another standout season, one in which he led all Kansas City players three interceptions and a career-high three fumble recoveries.

"Honey Badger" also finished third on the squad in tackles with 76 across his 16 contests. Mathieu -- who missed Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns having just come off of the reserve/COVID-19 list -- has played in at least 10 games in every one of his nine NFL seasons.

The second-seeded Chiefs will host the fourth-seeded Bengals in the AFC Championship game at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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