The Kansas City Chiefs, whilst currently slight underdogs for the Big Game this Sunday, are widely considered to be the strongest contender to be the NFL’s next dynasty in the post-New England Patriots era.
Kansas City Chiefs The Real Deal, Or The King In Waiting?
Whilst they have already commenced, to a degree, this ‘dynasty’, amassing 6 straight AFC Conference Championship appearances, winning 66% of them en route to what will be their 4th Super Bowl showing in just over half a decade, they are yet to cement themselves as the league’s bona fide kingpins, rather than the perennial state of ‘next up’.
However, one potential foil to the Chiefs’ plan will be the questionable status of one of Kansas City’s best players, all-pro guard, Joe Thuney.
Joe Thuney Has Been A Key To Kansas City’s Success
Since Thuney’s free agent arrival from New England in 2021, he has been a stalwart of one of the best interior offensive lines in the National Football League. For the first time, he was voted into the First Team all-pro, having been on the all-pro second team in 2019 and 2022.
Having already missed the AFC Championship game in Baltimore, where Mike McDonald’s defense largely shut down Patrick Mahomes in the second half of the game, the Chiefs may well be missing their star guard for the game that matters more than any other.
Now, we have an update from Ian Rapoport regarding Thuney’s statements on the injury, how he feels, and whether he will be able to play.
Talked to #Chiefs All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, who is dealing with a significant pec injury. He told me it’s still up in the air whether he can practice this week. He’ll know a bit later on. “Just taking it day by day,” saying he’s never quite been in this situation bwfore.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2024
Will Joe Thuney Be Available For Sunday’s Game?
Many reports have come out that Thuney is likely in danger of missing the Super Bowl, as his injury is, as stated above, serious.
Thuney did not practice on Friday, although he did make the trip over with the team this week. So, on balance, still a possibility but not looking good for the 8th year veteran.
In backup guard, Nick Allegretti, the Chiefs have a passable option in relief of Thuney, but having the main man to go up against the 49ers strong interior of Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead will give them a big edge over the course of the game.
Let’s see if Thuney manages to play on Sunday, and even if we are not rooting for the Chiefs, we are always rooting for players to get to play in a Super Bowl! (Once more).
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