Joe Thuney may not start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers due to a pectoral ailment.
Because of the injury he sustained during Kansas City’s AFC Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports that Thuney is “in danger” of missing the Super Bowl.
The precise nature of Thuney’s injury has been unclear at times. According to “varying opinions” that NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport received on January 28, some specialists thought it was a strain, while others thought it was a torn pec. According to Rapoport, Thuney’s chances of making it to the Super Bowl were “considered a long-shot.”
Importance of Joe Thuney for Kansas City Chiefs
The injury seems to happen during the fourth quarter when the Bills were playing. His initial return date was deemed doubtful due to a chest issue.
Ever since he joined Kansas City as a free agent in March 2021, Thuney has been an integral part of the offensive line. Over the last three years, he has started 49 regular-season games, including all 17 in 2023.
The 31-year-old has been selected to the All-Pro squad for two consecutive seasons. He was the finest pass-blocking guard in the NFL this season and was selected to the first team.
In the AFC Championship Game, Kansas City’s offensive line held up admirably against the Baltimore Ravens. In place of Thuney, Nick Allegretti played all 81 snaps at left guard.
