Chiefs star Mahomes exits NFL playoff game with concussion

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is sacked by outside linebacker Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns, Mahomes is injured on the play and leaves in the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was knocked out of Sunday’s NFL playoff game against Cleveland in the third quarter with a concussion. (Photo by JAMIE SQUIRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was knocked out of Sunday’s NFL playoff game against Cleveland in the third quarter with a concussion.

The reigning Super Bowl champions hung on to defeat the Browns 22-17 and advance and will host next Sunday’s AFC Championship game against Buffalo.

But the status of Mahomes for the contest remains uncertain after his exit near the middle of the third quarter.

Mahomes, nagged earlier by a left big toe injury, was trying to run for a first down and was slammed to the turf by Browns linebacker Mack Wilson.

Mahomes hit the ground with his helmet and was immediately taken off the field and into the locker room for an exam under NFL concussion protocol rules with the Chiefs leading 19-10.

Backup Chad Henne entered and moved Kansas City downfield to set up a 33-yard Harrison Butker field goal for a 22-10 advantage.

Seconds after Mahomes was confirmed to be sidelined for the remainder of the contest, the Browns completed at 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to pull within the final margin.

Mahomes completed 21-of-30 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown without an interception while also rushing three times for 14 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs had the NFL’s best regular-season record at 14-2 to earn a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.