Chiefs injury updates on Joe Thuney and Rashee Rice ahead of Super Bowl

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It’s the last thing you want to happen this close to Super Bowl Sunday.

Andy Reid has some big decisions to make about some critical pieces to his offence which, by all accounts, are not 100%.

Who might be out of the Super Bowl?

In 2023, Joe Thuney was pivotal to the Chiefs in pass protection, earning First-team All-Pro honors.

The three-time Super Bowl champion didn’t play in their AFC Championship victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and it’s unlikely we’ll see him suit up on Sunday.

In midweek, Reid said Thuney’s chances of playing this game were a “long shot”.

On Friday it was official that he won’t play on Sunday.

Losing a two-time Pro Bowler and former First-team All-American is a blow, but it’s not necessarily as doom and gloom as it appears.

KC will likely insert Nick Allegretti in his place, and the fifth year guard seems more than capable of filling in.

Allegretti has over 70 games of NFL experience, 13 as a starter and has seen action in the playoffs while taking first-team reps over the past couple of weeks.

The 27-year-old says he assumes he’ll start on Sunday, adding that Thuney’s been a big help in getting him ready.

“Having a guy like that in your ear and helping you along the way… seeing him prepare, but also knowing the coaching points he’s taking, I can apply to myself. He’s been incredible.”

Could Rashee Rice miss Sunday’s game?

Reid had time to plan accordingly should Thuney be unavailable, but some new injury news could force him to alter the offensive game plan even more.

On Thursday, rookie receiver Rashee Rice saw limited practice time due to issues with his ankles.

The fact that it’s pluralized is concerning, though Reid didn’t seem too worried.

Longtime NFL reporter Peter King asked Reid about Rice following practice on Thursday, with the coach simply saying that he is “all right”.

Perhaps it’s just general soreness in his calves or the pain you feel after a long season which is nearing its finale.

Rice being out would be a big blow as his growth down the stretch of the season added a much-needed extra dimension to the offense.

What’s the running back situation like?

The good news is Isiah Pacheco is looking healthy, running hard and putting up solid playoff numbers.

However, he may be on his own and have to carry the load out of the backfield this weekend.

That’s something he’s used to, but the other running backs on the depth chart are banged up.

Due to a groin ailment, Jerick McKinnon has been limited at practice all week.

He underwent surgery for a core muscle injury and pelvic fracture last month and was recently designated to return from the injured reserve.

Coach Reid said the prospects of playing on Sunday though were “slim”.

There’s also concern about how much running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire could contribute in the Super Bowl.

He’s been dealing with an illness this week, limiting his practice time and media availability.

Reid is a strategic mastermind and, like star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, may have to come up with some last-minute improvising before Sunday.