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

Chiefs Pro Bowl S Tyrann Mathieu still in concussion protocol, has 'chance' to play vs. Bengals

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/26/22

After surviving an epic AFC divisional-round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs are now tasked with slowing down the high-flying Cincinnati Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. They might have to do it without their three-time Pro Bowl defender in the secondary.

Tyrann Mathieu is still in the concussion protocol. Andy Reid said there is a chance he’ll be able to get back for Sunday. Said he’s doing well.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 26, 2022

Mathieu suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the game against Buffalo after he was hit in the head by a teammate's knee and was ruled out before halftime. The 29-year-old led all Chiefs players with three interceptions and a career-high three fumble recoveries during the 2021 regular season.

He 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.

No. 2 Kansas City will host No. 4 Cincinnati in the AFC Championship game at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

More must-reads: