When the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs face off in Week 1 of the 2021 season many will call the matchup an AFC Championship preview. While that is getting way too ahead of ourselves, especially given the attrition that a 17 game regular season can have on teams, it is exciting to think about.
As reported earlier today, the Browns start their Week 1 practices mostly healthy. With only backup offensive lineman Michael Dunn sitting out, Cleveland looks ready to go for Week 1.
The Chiefs have been dealing with a myriad of minor health issues, as the Browns did, but have a major looming concern with safety Tyrann Mathieu still in the COVID-19 protocol:
Andy Reid said Tyrann Mathieu is still in the NFL’s COVID protocol.
The Chiefs are optimistic that Mathieu could rejoin the team in time for Wednesday’s practice.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 6, 2021
The Chiefs optimism is well-founded based on Mathieu’s vaccination status:
Once Mathieu is asymptotic, he needs consecutive days of negative tests. As a vaccinated player, that will clear him. https://t.co/16plhFSZvT
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) September 6, 2021
Mathieu was placed on the COVID-19 list on September 1st which means he has struggled with symptoms since. While Kansas City could get him back by Wednesday, it could still deal with a limited star safety.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett struggled following his return from being symptomatic with COVID. Mathieu will have less than a week to return to football form and be ready for the high-powered Cleveland offense coming to town if he is cleared to return.