Kansas City Chiefs had a safe advantage against the Cleveland Browns when the only thing that couldn’t happen to them happened. They lost Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes left with a concussion. The Chiefs almost blew it. Then Chad Henne, Mahomes’ reserve, made two unlikely plays to seal a crazy 22-17 win and send Kansas City into the AFC Championship.
But before the Chiefs introduce Buffalo Bills in that game for a Super Bowl seat, there is an open question: Will Mahomes be available to play?
The chances are not great. From 2015 to 2019, the NFL quarterbacks held out on average seven days after suffering a concussion in a game, according to the league. The AFC Championship is exactly one week after Sunday’s game – meaning Mahomes would have to return earlier than usual to play.
It is also not as simple as Mahomes to say he feels ready to play. It is not in your hands. It is also not in the hands of the team.