Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Won’t Keep Him From Playing Against Buffalo Bills

Patrick Mahomes is good to go for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol Friday, two days before the team’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

Mahomes was forced to leave Kansas City’s divisional-round matchup with the Cleveland Browns after taking a hit while attempting to run for a first down. Chad Henne finished the contest under center for the Chiefs as the team escaped with a 22-17 victory.

“Talking to all of the doctors and going through all of the testing, we have the belief that I'll have no lingering effects and I'll be able to go out there and be who I am,” Mahomes told reporters Friday.

“You have to take it day by day. That’s the best thing. You can only control what you can control. For me, that was coming in every day with a positive attitude, try to make myself better, try to prepare myself as if I was going to play. Luckily enough, I haven’t had any symptoms and I’m able to play.”

Signs had been pointing toward Mahomes playing all week. Kansas City’s chances of returning to the Super Bowl increase now that the superstar will officially take snaps at Arrowhead Stadium.

Because Mahomes was largely expected to play, the Chiefs remain three-point favorites following the news. FanDuel Sportsbook gives Kansas City -178 odds to defeat Buffalo outright. The Chiefs were -166 moneyline favorites shortly before Mahomes was officially cleared.

Before getting hurt, Mahomes completed 21 of 30 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown against the Browns. The reigning Super Bowl MVP also ran for a score in the victory.

Mahomes has played in each of the last two AFC Championship games. He’s thrown for six touchdowns and no interceptions in the two contests.

Considered by many to be the best player in football, Mahomes has won 23 of his last 24 starts.