Mahomes addresses postgame interaction with Gilmore: ‘Mental lapse'

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Does Patrick Mahomes have reason for concern after Wednesday morning's news?

As reports surfaced that Stephon Gilmore had tested positive for COVID-19, many observers pointed out that the New England cornerback came into close contact with Mahomes at the end of Monday's night's Patriots-Chiefs game.

Since Gilmore's positive test was Tuesday, it's conceivable he could have been carrying the virus Monday and spread it to Mahomes during their interaction.

While Mahomes hasn't tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, he expressed regret over potentially exposing himself to the virus.

"It was a little bit of a mental lapse," Mahomes told reporters Wednesday, via The Athletic's Nate Taylor.

"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," Mahomes added, via NFL.com.

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The NFL outlawed postgame jersey swaps this season to prevent against such a situation. But Mahomes may be at greater risk of contracting the virus from Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu, who was placed on the team's COVID-19/reserve list Saturday and shares a QB room with Mahomes, than Gilmore, who briefly interacted with Mahomes in an outside setting.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP said he's been taking extra precautions since Ta'amu's positive test by sleeping in a different bedroom than his fiancée, Brittany, who is pregnant.

The NFL put the Patriots and Chiefs at increased risk by holding Monday's game after players on both teams tested positive, however. We may find out soon if Mahomes will face those consequences.

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