Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in concussion protocol, expects to practice Wednesday

Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears on track to play against the Buffalo Bills in this coming Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

Mahomes suffered a head injury in the third quarter of this past Sunday's home playoff win over the Cleveland Browns and was replaced by journeyman veteran Chad Henne, who helped the Chiefs secure the result in place of the sidelined reigning Super Bowl MVP. 

Kansas City coach Andy Reid told reporters on Monday that Mahomes was in the league's concussion protocol, and ESPN's Adam Schefter has since reported that Mahomes remained in the protocol through Tuesday afternoon "with what is considered a concussion." The 25-year-old has reportedly cleared "some big steps" to resume football activities during the midweek, and Schefter added that Mahomes is expected to practice on Wednesday. 

Mahomes is also dealing with a foot injury that visibly impacted him during the matchup against Cleveland. 

Reid suggested on Monday that Mahomes would've been able to finish the win over the Browns on the field if not for the NFL's strict rules regarding head injuries. 

"There was a chance back in the day that Patrick comes back in [the game],'' Reid said. "You saw him run up the tunnel. By the time he got to that point he was feeling pretty good. But there's a certain protocol you have to follow, and that takes it out of the trainer's hand and the player's hand and the doctor's hand." 

An independent neurological consultant must clear Mahomes before he's able to resume practicing. Until that happens, it's unknown if the signal-caller will be available to play versus Buffalo.