Nick Foles to start for Chiefs on Sunday with Alex Smith still in protocol

The Kansas City Chiefs will avoid the scrutiny of throwing Alex Smith to the wolves, announcing Wednesday that Nick Foles will start for the team on Sunday.

Smith, according to coach Andy Reid, is still in the concussion protocol.

Andy Reid says Alex Smith is in the return to play protocol. Nick Foles will start Sunday

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) November 2, 2016

The Chiefs were criticized by some for letting Smith re-enter the game after his first hit to the head. It was the second hit that knocked him out of the game for good, and possibly Sunday’s game. Given the system the Chiefs run, expect little emphasis on Foles and no major change in the team’s gameplan.