Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro Guard Joe Thuney Unlikely to Play in AFC Championship Against Baltimore Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs received some devastating news on Wednesday as they began their preparation for the highly anticipated AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was absent from practice, and ESPN later reported that he is unlikely to play on Sunday.
Thuney’s absence is a significant blow to the Chiefs, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his injury. In the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills, Thuney suffered a pectoral injury and was forced to leave the game. The Chiefs turned to backup Nick Allegretti to fill the void left by Thuney, and now Allegretti is expected to make his 14th career start in the AFC Championship.
Despite being a fifth-year veteran, Allegretti has gained the trust and confidence of his teammates and coaches. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke highly of 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.” While Allegretti may not have the same level of experience as Thuney, his teammates believe in his abilities to step up when needed.
The severity of Thuney’s injury was a cause for concern for the Chiefs. However, they received some positive news on Monday when they learned that Thuney had strained his pectoral muscle rather than tearing it, which would have ended his season. While this is undoubtedly good news for Thuney’s long-term prospects, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to recover in time for the AFC Championship.
Losing Thuney would be a significant blow for Kansas City. His pass block win rate of 99.1 percent was the highest among all players this season, showcasing his exceptional skills and contribution to the team’s success. Thuney’s outstanding performance also earned him his second Pro Bowl selection of his career, further highlighting his importance to the Chiefs’ offensive line.
The absence of Thuney will undoubtedly be felt by the Chiefs, but they remain optimistic about Allegretti’s ability to fill the void. While it is never easy to replace a player of Thuney’s caliber, Allegretti has proven himself capable in the past and has the support of his teammates.
As the Chiefs continue their preparations for the AFC Championship, they will need to adapt and make the necessary adjustments to overcome the absence of Joe Thuney. The Ravens will undoubtedly look to exploit this potential weakness, making it crucial for Kansas City to have a solid game plan in place.
The AFC Championship is set to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams. While the absence of Thuney is undoubtedly a setback for the Chiefs, they have shown resilience and determination throughout the season. With the support of their teammates and the guidance of their coaching staff, the Chiefs will look to overcome this obstacle and secure their spot in the Super Bowl.