Chiefs vs. Bills: Bashaud Breeland will play after clearing concussion protocol

The Kansas City Chiefs got some good news on defense the day before they take the field against the Buffalo Bills in this year’s AFC Championship game. Starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been cleared from the National Football League’s concussion protocol, which means he’s free of injury designation and will be able to suit up and play on Sunday.

The Chiefs were dealing with two players in the league’s concussion protocol heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Bills as both Breeland and starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes were dealing with head injuries suffered last week against the Cleveland Browns. Mahomes was cleared on Friday after showing positive signs all week long, and now Breeland is also free to play.

The addition of Breeland to the mix is a good boost for the Chiefs who should be near full strength on the defensive side heading into the clash of AFC powers. The Chiefs still do not have linebacker Willie Gay, Jr. healthy from a high ankle sprain, but the Chiefs dominated the Bills back in Week 6 without L’Jarius Sneed in the lineup and with Breeland just back from a season-opening four-game suspension.

With Breeland back, the Chiefs can keep him and Charvarius Ward outside and use Sneed as they see fit in the middle. The team also saw cornerback Rashad Fenton return to practice after dealing with an injury as well, so the secondary should be ready to go.

In 11 games this season for the Chiefs, Breeland had 38 total tackles, 9 deflected passes, and 2 interceptions. Per Pro Football Reference, he allowed 30 catches on 60 targets for a 50 percent completion rate in the regular season.

The Chiefs and Bills kick off on Sunday evening at 5:40 p.m. C.T. at Arrowhead Stadium.