Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes practices, remains in concussion protocol

Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes returned to practice Wednesday, taking another step to possibly playing in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills.

"He's done well up to this point," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Mahomes, who is still in the NFL's concussion protocol after being knocked out of last week's divisional-round win over the Cleveland Browns. "Today [Mahomes was allowed to do] limited work and no contact. That's kind of what we're doing on Wednesday, so this fit in well."

The Chiefs initially listed Mahomes as a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. The team later changed his status to limited, however, saying Mahomes isn't allowed to be listed as a full participant because he remains in the league's concussion protocol.

Reid didn't reveal what phase Mahomes is in of the five-step process to be cleared to return to the field.

Veteran backup Chad Henne replaced Mahomes in the third quarter of the Chiefs' 22-17 win over the Browns. If Mahomes isn't cleared in time, Henne would start against the Bills.

Bills shutdown cornerback Tre'Davious White told reporters Wednesday that Buffalo expects Mahomes to play Sunday.

"This is the AFC championship, this is the game to go to the Super Bowl," White said. "We know all their best players are going to be out there. We're preparing for Mahomes to be there, which we know he will."

Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf), rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (hip/ankle) and starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland (shoulder/concussion) also were limited participants Wednesday.