Super Bowl LVIII will see the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line facing off against the San Francisco 49ers defense without the services of their All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, who is sidelined due to a pectoral injury sustained in their Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Thuney was unable to participate in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens and, after not practicing throughout the week, has been officially ruled out for the Super Bowl during the team’s last injury update.
Chiefs G Allegretti To Replace Thuney, 49ers At “Optimal Health”
Nick Allegretti will step in as the starter at left guard in Thuney’s absence, having previously started in the AFC Championship. Allegretti has a history of 13 regular-season starts and four postseason starts with the Chiefs, including a Super Bowl LV appearance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.
The Chiefs’ roster otherwise remains in strong shape, with the rest of the active players cleared to play. The injury report did mention two reserves: running back Jerick McKinnon (groin), who is listed as questionable, and offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho (quad), who has been ruled out.
Key contributors such as wide receiver Rashee Rice, notable for his role as a leading receiver alongside tight end Travis Kelce, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, are ready to go. Rice fully participated in practice after a minor incident, and Edwards-Helaire is back after overcoming an illness.
On the 49ers’ side, the team is entering the Super Bowl with an exceptionally healthy roster, with no active players bearing injury designations for the game. Despite limited practice early in the week for tight end George Kittle (toe) and defensive tackle Arik Armstead (knee, foot), both were full participants by Friday and carry no injury status into the weekend. Linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) are also fully cleared for action.
Coach Kyle Shanahan highlighted the team’s optimal health status, expressing satisfaction that the 49ers are at full strength for the Super Bowl. The only exception is defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who is still on injured reserve with an ankle injury and would require a roster adjustment to be activated.
“The guys who have been banged up, they’ve done everything possible to be healthy for this game. It’s our first time everyone is full and healthy. It’s the right game to have it that way.”
Vegas money is bound to shift after the confirmation of Thuney’s absence from the Chiefs’ roster. Chiefs were +2 underdogs as of Friday morning, and could move to +3 by kickoff, Sunday evening.
