In Las Vegas, the Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney will be sidelined for the Super Bowl due to a pectoral injury sustained during the divisional round of the playoffs. Nick Allegretti will step into Thuney’s position against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Throughout the week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid maintained optimism about Thuney’s availability, even as late as Friday’s practice session at the AFC West-rival Raiders’ facility. However, with Thuney unable to practice since his injury in Buffalo, Allegretti was expected to start in his second consecutive Super Bowl appearance, having filled in during the 2021 game against Tampa Bay.
Despite Thuney’s absence, the Chiefs received positive injury updates following their practice session in chilly Las Vegas. Wide receiver Rashee Rice, a key target alongside tight end Travis Kelce, participated fully after a minor injury in Thursday’s practice. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who missed last year’s Super Bowl due to injury, also completed a full practice session after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.
Jerick McKinnon, listed as questionable for the Super Bowl, remains on injured reserve following core muscle surgery in January. The Chiefs have until Saturday afternoon to activate him for the game, though Reid indicated earlier in the week that his chances of playing were slim.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers were expected to release their final injury report later on Friday.
