Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on the practice field and worked with the starting offense in a limited basis Thursday but remains in concussion protocol.
Head coach Andy Reid specified Mahomes is still in the no-contact phase of concussion protocol until further notice, leaving the Chiefs’ quarterback situation unsettled for the AFC Championship game Sunday.
Typically players who haven’t been cleared from NFL concussion protocol are not allowed to wear helmets at practice. In the portion of Thursday’s workout open to media, Mahomes held his helmet and observed from the sideline.
But later in the workout Mahomes donned a helmet and ran plays with the starting offense, which included rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Edwards-Helaire missed the divisional playoff game last week due to hip and ankle injuries.
“Pat looked good out there,” Reid said. “He’s moving around well. He feels good. It’s just important we follow the protocol, and that’s what we’re doing.”
If Mahomes doesn’t receive full medical clearance, Reid said the Chiefs would turn back to Chad Henne. Henne entered last week’s game in the third quarter after Mahomes was helped off the field at the end of an option running play. Henne also started Week 17 with the Chiefs resting key personnel.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) and cornerback Bashaud Breeland (concussion protocol) were also on the practice field Thursday.
Running back Le’Veon Bell (knee) and cornerback Willie Gay (ankle) didn’t practice, Reid said.