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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol Tuesday but is expected to practice Wednesday, ESPN reported.

There is optimism among the Chiefs that Mahomes will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, but the former NFL MVP’s status is still uncertain.

Patrick Mahomes Cleared ‘Big Steps’

ESPN reported Mahomes cleared “some big steps” on Monday. Mahomes is also dealing with a toe issue, per the report. Mahomes was limping in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns prior to leaving the game with a concussion midway through the third quarter.

Mahomes passed for 255 yards and one touchdown against the Browns. Chad Henne replaced Mahomes and completed 6 of 8 passes for 66 yards and an interception in the end zone. Henne also rushed twice for 12 yards.

Mahomes must complete a five-step process before getting the OK to return.

“Because of the protocol, it’s a no-brainer from the coach’s standpoint,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Monday. “I mean, you don’t have to think about it, you just have to go forward and make sure you have an answer if he’s there, have an answer if he’s not there. I can’t tell you from a medical standpoint where he’s at. I mean, I don’t know that. So, that’s their decision and I just follow it.”

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)