The Kansas City Chiefs faced a challenging setback on Wednesday as they began preparations for the AFC championship without the presence of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney at practice. To compound the issue, ESPN reported later in the day that Thuney is unlikely to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
During the Chiefs’ dramatic 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, Thuney suffered a pectoral injury, forcing him to exit the game. Nick Allegretti stepped in as the replacement for the first-time, first-team All-Pro selection. Now, with Thuney’s uncertain status, Allegretti, a fifth-year veteran, is expected to make his 14th career start.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Allegretti, stating, “All 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.”
The news on Monday revealed that Thuney’s pectoral injury was a strain rather than a tear, which would have prematurely concluded his season. Thuney, who maintained a perfect attendance record in starts this season, holds a significant role in the Chiefs’ offensive line. His impressive pass block win rate of 99.1 percent led all players this season, earning him the second Pro Bowl selection of his career.
If Thuney is unable to participate on Sunday, his absence will be a considerable loss for the Chiefs as they face a formidable Ravens team in the crucial AFC championship matchup.
