No flags, no fines.
The NFL chose not to levy fines for two of the most important plays from the Browns’ 22-17 loss to the Chiefs last Sunday in the divisional round of the playoffs. Neither hit was penalized on the field, but the league reviews every play to see if a fine is warranted.
Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen made helmet-to-helmet contact with Browns receiver Rashard Higgins as Higgins dived toward the goal line and Sorensen dived toward Higgins. The hit caused Higgins to fumble just short of the goal line, and the ball bounced in and out of the end zone for a touchback, costing the Browns a potential seven points toward the end of the first half.
Browns linebacker Mack Wilson hit quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the back and tackled him around the neck on a third-and-short run, causing Mahomes to suffer a concussion midway through the third quarter. Journeyman Chad Henne replaced Mahomes and finished the drive with a field goal and the game with a victory.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett said Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce accused the Browns on the field of headhunting, but Wilson and Mahomes exchanged pleasantries on Twitter after the game.
Mahomes was cleared from concussion protocol Friday and will start Sunday against the Bills in the AFC championship game.
“Prayer has been answered..” Wilson tweeted Friday. “Go ball out 15! @PatrickMahomes”
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