Patrick Mahomes took the majority of first-team reps in practice Thursday, even though he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, raising expectations that he will start in the AFC championship game against the Bills.

Mahomes was initially listed as a full participant when he returned to practice Wednesday, but the Chiefs quickly corrected his status to limited because he remains in the protocol. He must be cleared by team physicians and an independent neural consult before the reigning Super Bowl MVP can be a full participant in practice or play in a game.

“Pat looked good out there. He did a nice job when he was doing it and looks like he’s moving around well,” coach Andy Reid said. “He feels good, so it’s just important that we follow the protocol and that’s what we’re doing.”

Mahomes sustained the concussion when he was tackled on a quarterback option midway through the third quarter of the Chiefs’ 22-17 divisional-round win over the Browns. Chad Henne finished the game with Matt Moore backing him up, and the two veteran journeymen would be next in line if Mahomes wasn’t cleared to play.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire practiced for the second straight day as he comes back from a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 15, as did receiver Sammy Watkins, who has been out with a calf injury since Week 16.

Edwards-Helaire had the fourth-most yards from scrimmage among rookies with 1,100 this season, despite missing three full games and part of another. Watkins provides another downfield playmaker alongside Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.

The only other injury uncertainty facing the Chiefs involves cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who also was concussed during the Browns game. Much like Mahomes, he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday but hasn’t been cleared for full practice or a game, though Reid indicated that his top cornerback is trending in the right direction. — Associated Press

“I’m excited about the opportunity to play against him one more time.”

— QB Aaron Rodgers on facing Tom Brady when the Packers host the Buccaneers in the NFC championship game Sunday

Consecutive Premier League matches at home without a loss for defending champion Liverpool before suffering a 1-0 upset loss to Burnley on Thursday. Ashley Barnes scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after the forward was brought down by goalkeeper Alisson Becker as Burnley became the first team to win in the league at Anfield since April 2017.