KC Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu clears concussion protocol, will play Sunday vs. Bengals
Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu officially has the green light to return to action.
Mathieu cleared the concussion protocol Sunday and the Chiefs removed the “questionable” game designation from the star safety.
The three-time All-Pro is now a full-go for a normal workload in Sunday’s showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Mathieu suffered a concussion in the first quarter of the Chiefs’ 42-36 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round last weekend.
He did not practice Wednesday but returned to full practices Thursday and Friday. Despite practicing, Mathieu still needed to go through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol process, which included receiving clearance from an independent doctor.
Mathieu returns in time to help man the back end of defensive coverage alongside free safety Juan Thornhill against the Bengals’ prolific passing game, which finished the regular season ranked seventh in the league. Backup safeties Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts are available as needed.
The Chiefs also welcomed back cornerback Rashad Fenton and running back Darrel Williams. Fenton didn’t dress for the previous two postseason games because of a back injury, while Williams’ toe injury prevented him from playing in last weekend’s AFC Divisional Round game.
Running back Derrick Gore, cornerback Deandre Baker, offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho, defensive tackle Khalan Saunders, rookie defensive end Joshua Kaindoh and rookie quarterback Shane Buechele are not dressed for Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs don’t have a need for a fourth running back with Williams’ return to action. Baker filled in during Fenton’s absences.
Wide receiver Daurice Fountain, whom the Chiefs elevated from the practice squad, is dressed and will help out on special teams.
For the Bengals, defensive end Cam Sample, defensive tackle Josh Tupou, cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, wide receiver Stanley Morgan, wide receiver Trenton Irwin, halfback Trayveon Williams and offensive lineman Fred Johnson will not dress against the Chiefs.
This story was originally published January 30, 2022 at 11:59 AM.
