Patrick Mahomes will be without arguably his best offensive lineman in the 2024 Super Bowl.
The Chiefs on Friday ruled out signing 2023 All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, saying it would hurt the team’s offense.
Thuney did not practice this week while nursing a chest injury sustained in the divisional round, so his absence is not a complete surprise, but it would still be a meaningful loss in an important game.
Souney missed the AFC Championship game against the Ravens two weeks ago with the same injury.
Five-year veteran Nick Allegretti will likely start in his place.
“I take the lead in [Chiefs head coach Andy] Reid” offensive line coach Andy Heck According to NFL.com, he said:. “He always preached, ‘Next up.’ So in practice, everyone repeats the same thing, everyone prepares the same. In this case, ‘Nick Allegretti, you’re next.’ Now go. like this. Please come in for a moment. ” There is no large-scale production.
“He steps in. It’s a seamless operation.”
Souney, 31, has won three Super Bowls, including two with the Patriots (2017, 2019) and one with the Chiefs last season.
Thuney was named a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons, was named a second-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2022, and reached first-team status for the first time this season.
Allegretti, a seventh-round pick in 2019, was on the Chiefs’ roster for both of their recent Super Bowl championships and started 13 of 74 regular-season games.
In addition to Souney, Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon is questionable for Sunday due to a groin injury.
McKinnon has been limited to practice all week and is on injured reserve, meaning he will need to be placed on the 53-man roster to be eligible.
The 31-year-old hasn’t played since the Chiefs’ win over the Patriots on Dec. 17.
During the regular season, he had 60 rushing yards and 192 receiving yards on 21 carries, totaling five touchdowns.
