Mahomes: 'We knew' the possibility of NFL COVID-19 cases before season began

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he knew playing the 2020 campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic would be challenging heading into the NFL season.

"It's a different time. I think that's the biggest thing," Mahomes said Wednesday, according to NFL.com. "We knew that coming into the season. If you thought you were going to go through the entire season and no one was going to test positive, then you had a little bit of false hope. You just trust that the protocols in place are the right protocols."

Mahomes is paying special attention, considering his fiancee Brittany is pregnant.

"I try to do whatever I can to social distance and stay away," Mahomes added. "It's being available for the team, but even more for me just keeping my family safe."

Images of Mahomes and New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore's postgame embrace surfaced on social media Wednesday after Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19.

NFL players have been trying to avoid postgame interactions this season, with Mahomes calling his contact with Gilmore a "little lapse."

"I just do my best part to stay socially distant," he said. "That little lapse at the end of the game, (I was) just trying to show respect to a great football player who I hope is getting better very quickly. I'll try to keep away from that and try not to do it again."

Gilmore is the third Patriots player placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this season, along with quarterback Cam Newton and practice squad defensive lineman Bill Murray.

Last week, a coronavirus outbreak hit the Tennessee Titans and affected 20 team members, including players and personnel staff.