The Kansas City Chiefs will be without All-Pro guard Joe Thuney for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a pectoral injury he sustained during last week’s Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Thuney has been a key player in the Chiefs’ offensive line, and this will be the first game he has missed in his seven-year NFL career, which includes time with both the New England Patriots and the Chiefs.
Thuney has started every game in both the regular season and playoffs throughout his career. In his absence, reserve offensive lineman Nick Allegretti stepped in for 13 snaps at guard last week and will likely take on a larger role in the championship game. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Allegretti, stating, “All of the guys look at him like he’s a starter, so everybody’s got confidence that he can come in and do a nice job.”
In addition to Thuney, the Chiefs will also be without defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who is sidelined with a triceps injury sustained during the team’s playoff opener against the Miami Dolphins. Veteran Mike Pennel filled in for Nnadi, playing 52% of the defensive snaps in the win over Buffalo.
Wide receiver Skyy Moore has also been ruled out for the AFC Championship Game due to a knee injury. Moore’s absence will be another blow to the Chiefs’ depth at receiver as they prepare for a crucial playoff matchup.
The Chiefs have several other players listed as questionable heading into the game, including running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle/toe), linebacker Willie Gay (neck), safety Mike Edwards (concussion), and wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hip).
‘
Pacheco’s injury could be especially significant, as the team will rely on him to provide key contributions in both the rushing and passing game. The uncertainty surrounding these players will keep the Chiefs’ coaching staff on edge as they finalize their game plan for the Ravens.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have three players listed as questionable for the game: cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Rock Ya-Sin (knee), as well as wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee). The status of these players could impact Baltimore’s defensive and receiving depth, which will be crucial against Kansas City’s high-powered offense.
Additionally, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips is listed as doubtful, further adding to the potential challenges the Ravens may face in terms of roster availability.
With both teams dealing with significant injuries, the AFC Championship Game is shaping up to be a battle of depth and adjustments. The Chiefs will have to rely on their reserves to step up in the absence of Thuney, Nnadi, and Moore, while the Ravens will need to address their own injury concerns to put together a competitive game plan.
