Tyrann Mathieu expected to play in AFC Championship Game?

Tyrann Mathieu will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before the game to fully exit concussion protocols. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs expected to have safety Tyrann Mathieu for AFC Championship Game?

By Jordan Wolf | Last updated 1/29/22

It looks like the Chiefs may be getting back one of their biggest defensive leaders just in time.

NFL Network's James Palmer reported late Saturday night that Kansas City is expected to have safety Tyrann Mathieu available for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against Cincinnati.

#chiefs expected to have S Tyrann Mathieu (concussion) tomorrow for the AFC title game per source.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 30, 2022

Mathieu exited last weekend's thrilling divisional round battle against the Bills with a concussion. The injury was seemingly sustained when he took a leg to the head from teammate Jarran Reed as he tried to tackle Josh Allen.

Tyrann Mathieu gets kicked in the head and is questionable to return pic.twitter.com/dCIrM7er3Y
— alex (@highlghtheaven) January 24, 2022

Signs began to point toward an imminent return for Mathieu during the week when he returned to practice, including being listed as a full participant on Thursday and Friday. He will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before the game to fully exit concussion protocols.

Mathieu has been the leader of the Chiefs' defense both on the field and in the locker room since arriving in 2019, so his presence will be vital to slow down a Bengals offense firing on all cylinders. Cincinnati beat Kansas City 34-31 in Week 17, although Mathieu was in the lineup.

The AFC Championship Game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. EST on Sunday on CBS.

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