The Kansas City Chiefs have advanced to their third consecutive AFC Championship Game after a 22-17 win over the Cleveland Browns. But the big question is if Patrick Mahomes will be cleared to play in Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills.
There is no easy answer, because there is no set timeline for players to return if they have had a concussion. It is possible for Mahomes to pass through the concussion protocol within a week; it’s equally possible any symptoms he may have persist and he’s ruled out.
Advertisement
According to the NFL’s concussion data, which is collected by healthcare data company IQVIA, the median time for the 29 quarterbacks who suffered a concussion between 2015-19 to complete concussion protocol and return to play was seven days.
But each concussion is different, and every player who suffers a brain injury follows his own recovery timeline.
On Monday afternoon, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid declined to answer a question about Mahomes’ specific diagnosis but confirmed the quarterback is in the concussion protocol. Reid said that because Mahomes staggered, he was required to enter the protocol.
Here’s a look at the NFL’s protocols, where Mahomes is now and what steps come next:
What happened to Mahomes on Sunday?
Mahomes was a clear candidate for the concussion protocol from the moment he was helped to his feet after a hit in the third quarter. According to the NFL’s concussion protocols, gross motor stability is considered a “no-go” sign or symptom of a concussion or neurological injury, and the player “may not return to participation on the same day under any circumstances.” (Other “no go” symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion and amensia.) He appeared dazed and needed immediate assistance. He was first escorted to the medical tent on the Chiefs sideline, where he underwent an initial evaluation by the Chiefs’ team physician and an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. After that short exam, Mahomes jogged to the locker room for a full concussion evaluation. The team announced a short time later he was being evaluated for a concussion, and by early in the fourth quarter, he was ruled out.
That decision puts Mahomes in the concussion protocol.
Reid told reporters after the game he spoke with Mahomes and the quarterback was “feeling good.” Reid said Mahomes hit the back of his head and had the wind knocked out him.
Advertisement
“He’s doing great now, which is a real positive as we looked at this,” Reid said. “He passed all the deals that he needed to pass, so we’ll see where it goes from here.”
What happens next with Mahomes in concussion protocol?
Mahomes will have another concussion evaluation on Monday, standard protocol for any player who leaves a game and is suspected of having a head injury, and will begin a five-step process for being cleared to return to play.
There is not a set number of days for how long the process can take, and it would be irresponsible to speculate on that timeline based on things like how quickly Mahomes jogged into the locker room or the tweets he sent after the game.
All good brother! 💪🏽 https://t.co/ORwLG6eFTV
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 17, 2021
What are the next steps for Mahomes?
According to the NFL’s concussion protocols, first comes rest, an evaluation of symptoms and light exercise. If a player can manage light exercise without a return of symptoms (like a headache or sensitivity to light), he will be cleared for aerobic exercise, things like running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. Next comes a return to weight training and some football drills. It’s common that a player who is still in this phase of the concussion protocol will be seen on the practice field working off to the side with a strength and conditioning coach. If symptoms have not returned, the player would be cleared to resume noncontact football drills with his teammates.
During these first four phases, a player will undergo further neurological tests, and he’ll only be allowed to return to full-contact football activities once his brain function returns to the baseline levels, based on his preseason neurological evaluation.
Only if symptoms remain at bay during all of these phases will Mahomes be cleared to return, either for full participation in practice or for a game.
Advertisement
Who determines if Mahomes can play?
It won’t be up to Mahomes. The Chiefs medical staff will be the first to clear Mahomes, but that decision will have to be reviewed and confirmed by an independent neurologist.
Reid said on Monday the protocols are for the protection of players like Mahomes and the medical staff — to make the return-to-play decision is based on health, not football. “It’s a no-brainer from coaching staff. You don’t think about it,” Reid said. “Make sure you have an answer for if he’s there or not there.”
If Mahomes were unable to play, backup Chad Henne would start versus Buffalo. Henne started in Week 17 against the Chargers when Reid rested some starters, including Mahomes, and he completed 6 of 8 passes for 66 yards with one interception after replacing Mahomes on Sunday.
(Photo: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
