Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes clears concussion protocol on Friday

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is good to go for Sunday.

Mahomes had been in concussion protocol since last Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns in the Divisional Round, making incremental improvements throughout the practice week. While the Chiefs didn’t want to give anything away about Mahomes’ status, there was no hiding that the star quarterback was playing with the starters in practice, and was essentially a full-go despite being listed as a limited participant.

So, on Friday afternoon, Mahomes himself made it official. He’s clear concussion protocol, and will likely play against the Bills in the AFC Championship.

NFL fans get the matchup they wanted in the AFC Championship

Mahomes vs Josh Allen is expected to be a show for good reason. Both are in the top-3 of MVP candidates, with Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers likely taking home the award just a week from now.

The Chiefs are favored — especially with Mahomes playing — but it remains to be seen if there will be any rust after suffering a relatively major head injury. As much as the word “concussion” is thrown around in the NFL as just another ailment, in reality any sort of injury to the brain should be considered vital. There’s a reason the league has an entire protocol devoted to it.

The Bills are underdogs for a reason, as they’re traveling to Arrowhead to face the reigning Super Bowl champions. It will not be easy, but the return of Mahomes doesn’t necessarily guarantee victory. Buffalo’s been up against the odds all season. What’s two more games?