KC Chiefs: Tyrann Mathieu is still not out of the COVID woods

K.C. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid remains optimistic about Tyrann Mathieu’s availability for the team’s opening game against the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, but that doesn’t mean the team is out of the woods with regards to his recent positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

On Labor Day, Reid told reporters that Mathieu remains on the team’s COVID/reserve list after going on it last week with a surprising diagnosis.

Mathieu was first placed on the list five days ago after he tested positive for the coronavirus. It’s a breakthrough case since he was already vaccinated, and Mathieu will be forced to remain on the reserve list until he’s able to show negative results on consecutive tests, which would require a couple days apiece at least. Perhaps this is a sign that Mathieu was showing some symptoms initially but that the Chiefs are hopeful he will bounce back in time.

Tyrann Mathieu remains on the Chiefs COVID/reserve list.

If Mathieu is good to practice on Wednesday, that’s a best-case scenario out of all of this considering the Chiefs will need their defensive star to help stifle the offensive weapons on Cleveland’s offense. The Browns have had this date at Arrowhead in Week 1 circled since the schedule was first revealed this spring knowing it was a chance for some revenge after being ousted from the postseason by the Chiefs last winter.

Mathieu is waiting to be rewarded with a hefty new contract extension from the Chiefs at some point this year, although he might have to wait until finances shift at season’s end. The important thing in that scenario is to continue to showcase his present value to the team and remain healthy. If Mathieu is unable to go, the heart of the defense will look at lot more vulnerable after the loss of Willie Gay Jr. as well.