KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t enter the AFC Championship Game with an injury designation, one player has been ruled out and five others are officially questionable, according to the Chiefs’ official injury report.
Linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who is dealing with a high ankle sprain, won’t play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, when the conference title kicks off at 5:40 p.m. from Arrowhead Stadium.
He’s the only player on the active roster who has been ruled out for the game, but Kansas City’s depth could be tested in other areas.
Coach Andy Reid said Friday afternoon that cornerback Bashaud Breeland (concussion) remained in the NFL concussion protocol.
Like Mahomes, Breeland was placed in the protocol during the AFC Divisional game win last Sunday against the Browns. Mahomes spoke with reporters later Friday and said he had been cleared.
Meanwhile, Breeland officially is listed as questionable along with fellow cornerback Rashad Fenton (foot), who didn’t play in last week’s playoff opener for the Chiefs.
Having Breeland and Fenton on the field would be a huge plus for Kansas City's defense.
The Bills’ top receiving targets, Stefon Diggs (oblique) and Cole Beasley (knee), were full participants at practice for the first time this week on Friday and don’t carry an injury designation into the AFC Championship Game.
Two Chiefs running backs, rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) and midseason signing Le’Veon Bell (knee), also are questionable. Bell hasn’t practiced this week.
Edwards-Helaire had the best game of his NFL career, rushing for 161 yards, during a Week 6 win at Buffalo.
Even if Edwards-Helaire and Bell play, expect the Bills to get a heavy dose of Darrel Williams, who had 13 carries for 78 yards in the victory against Cleveland last week.
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf) missed the Week 6 game at Buffalo and last week’s win versus the Browns. He remains questionable as well.
Buffalo also might be without a receiver for the game, listing Gabriel Davis (ankle) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler (quad) as questionable.