Although Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has released the NFL’s concussion protocol, this is not the only injury concern for the former MVP.
Sources say Mahomes was diagnosed with peat on his left foot after the Divisional Round victory over the Cleveland Browns, an injury that limited his effectiveness on the pitch last week and during this week’s training.
Mahomes currently has no injury status and did almost all repetitions during the week of practice that most closely resembled a series of revisions. When he passed the protocol, his injury status was removed and he will play against Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
On the toe, Mahomes said: “The next day was very painful and, every day since, it has gotten much better.”
As of now, there is not necessarily a belief that Mahomes will need surgery on the plantar plate injury. However, a source said he will be reassessed after the season by a foot specialist to determine whether he will need surgery.
Mahomes had no adverse effects or symptoms because he was in the concussion protocol, and the toe was considered a major problem.
As for being in the concussion protocol, the Chiefs did not specifically say that Mahomes had a concussion. Referring to this, coach Andy Reid said that Mahomes is “under protocol” without saying that Mahomes had a concussion.
Mahomes was placed in the protocol after being taken to the ground last weekend and faltered and staggered when trying to walk. That alone was enough to put him in the protocol.
As one source explained, whether Mahomes specifically had a concussion or not is not relevant. When a player has a transient neurological event, the goal is to ensure that his brain is fully recovered by the time he enters the field.
All concussions are different and all symptoms are different. But as soon as there is a change in the functioning of the brain (as shown by a neurologist’s tests), it is in the protocol.
That is why Mahomes, whose verbal concussion test included a missed question, was included in the protocol and was eventually dropped. The fact that he had no symptoms this week is positive.
“I’ll be out there and be myself,” said Mahomes.