Patrick Mahomes has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol

After a week marked by cautious optimism, the Kansas City Chiefs can breathe easy knowing that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has cleared the National Football League’s concussion protocols.

Mahomes entered the week with multiple injuries of note: a head injury that led to him entering the league’s concussion protocol that was suffered in the third quarter of last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns and a foot injury that happened in the first quarter of the same game.

Even shortly after the game, the Chiefs were quick to note Mahomes felt good or was showing positive signs after hitting his head. Andy Reid had positive remarks to reporters following the Chiefs win in the Divisional Round, and early reports said the team was hopeful he would be able to practice early in the week. On Wednesday, Mahomes was able to participate in practice, and on Thursday he earned the majority of starter’s reps.

With Mahomes cleared, the question of his foot injury remains, but there should be no doubt at this point that the former NFL MVP is going to suit up and be ready to start in his third straight AFC Championship game. If Mahomes is unable to go for some reason or the foot injury becomes a larger concern, the Chiefs would rely on Chad Henne to fill in as he did last week and in Week 17 when Reid rested his starters against the L.A. Chargers.

Mahomes and the Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday evening for a chance to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LV.