Kansas City Chiefs’ Joe Thuney ruled out of Super Bowl LVIII. Who will replace him?

Now just one day away from Super Bowl LVIII, the defending Super Bowl champions have been dealt a blow in that the team’s star offensive tackle will not feature in Sunday’s big Game. This of course leaves the question of how the Chiefs will cover for an all-important player.

Joe Thuney won’t play in Super Bowl LVIII and he’s not the only one

According to reports, the Kansas City Chiefs will be without Joe Thuney for Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, after the offensive tackle was officially ruled out with the same pectoral injury that has plagued him in recent weeks. Sadly, so too was backup offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho who has been ruled out with an injury to the quadracep. It’s also worth noting that veteran running back Jerick McKinnon was listed as questionable with a groin injury. Incidentally, McKinnon was only activated from the injured reserve this week and had been limited in practice throughout the week. As for Thuney, the reality is that the news though disappointing, is not surprising, considering that he did not participate in practice at any point this week.

So, how do the Chiefs cope with the loss of Joe Thuney?

Though it would be an exaggeration to say that the Chiefs roster has been depleted, it would be fair to say that it’s taken a blow especially where Thuney specifically is concerned. Earlier this week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed Thuney’s status, essentially alluding to the idea that it will be Nick Allegretti who steps in for the injured Thuney. To be clear, it was Allegretti who replaced Thuney in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens and it’s got to be said, he did so credibly.

“I would probably bet towards Allegretti playing,” Reid said. “For Joe [Thuney], it’s a strength thing. Right now, it’s not strong enough.” As they say, that’s how the cookie crumbles, however, the Chiefs have another injury loss as well, that of defensive Charles Omenihu who has been ruled out due to the severe knee injury that he suffered during the Chiefs’ AFC championship win. Regardless, it is what it is and something the Chiefs will have to deal with if they hope to win their fourth Super Bowl title and second straight. Kickoff is set for Sunday, February 11th, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevadad. Don’t miss it.