Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu remains in reserve/COVID-19 protocol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Safety Tyrann Mathieu remains in the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday during a press conference.

Mathieu was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sept. 1.

Reid said Mathieu is “feeling better,” but he won’t be eligible to return to the team until he tests negative twice at least 24 hours apart.

The Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns in a rematch of January’s AFC Divisional playoffs showdown at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Even if Mathieu isn’t able to practice this week, Reid said he wouldn’t hesitate to play the All-Pro safety against the Browns, assuming he is eligible and is released from the NFL protocol in time for the game.

Kansas City has four safeties on the 53-man roster for the 2021 season — including Mathieu’s backup at strong safety, Armani Watts, and free safeties Daniel Sorenson and Juan Thornhill.

Mathieu was one of two players along with center Austin Blythe (sports hernia) who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

Defensive end Frank Clark was expected to be a full participant Wednesday, according to Reid. Officially, he was listed as a limited participant with a hamstring injury on the initial injury report of the season.

Wide receiver Mecole Harman Jr. (oblique) and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (hip) also were limited participants, while running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and three offensive linemen — guards Trey Smith (shoulder) and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand) along with tackle Mike Remmers (knee) — were all full participants.

For the Browns, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (illness) and offensive lineman Michael Dunn (back) did not practice, while seven players — including wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), safeties Grant Delpit (hamstring) and Ronnie Harrison Jr., cornerback Greedy Williams (groin) and center JC Tretter (knee) — were limited.