If the Kansas City Chiefs are to earn a return trip to the Super Bowl, they’ll have to do it shorthanded.
On Friday, the Chiefs officially ruled out All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. Initially listed as questionable after leaving the divisional-round victory over the Buffalo Bills last week with a pectoral strain, Thuney did not practice this week.
Veteran backup Nick Allegretti will likely slide in to fill the significant void. The 27-year-old has started 13 games over five seasons, including one this year and three in 2022.
Thuney had been incredibly reliable, missing only two regular-season starts in eight seasons. He made all 17 starts along the Chiefs offensive line in 2023, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod and first career All-Pro honor.
The Ravens’ top-ranked defense was already going to be a stiff challenge for the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, the unit’s impressive crop of pass-rushers, including Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, now have a weakness to target.
On top of the problems it creates in stopping the Ravens, Thuney’s absence may force an adjustment to the Chiefs’ plan of attack.
Thuney’s status alone puts that strategy in jeopardy, but the Chiefs also have an eye on Pacheco’s standing for Sunday’s game. After rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown off 15 carries against the Bills, he’s questionable (ankle/toe) for the AFC title game, but he did practice on Friday.
Signs point to Pacheco being ready to go by Sunday, but he won’t be 100 percent, adding another intriguing layer to what should be an epic showdown with the Ravens.
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