A pectoral injury could sideline Kansas City Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney, potentially giving the Baltimore Ravens' fearsome pass-rush an edge in the AFC Championship on Sunday.
Thuney suffered the injury in a 27-24 divisional-round win against the Buffalo Bills and didn't return to the game. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the offensive lineman will not practice Wednesday, adding he will try to play, but that seems unlikely.
Chiefs’ Pro-Bowl guard Joe Thuney will not practice today due to his pec injury and, in the words of one source, is unlikely to play Sunday vs. the Ravens. But as another source also said, “he’s going to work like crazy to play.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2024
Thuney started all 17 regular-season games, earning a first-team All-Pro nod for the first time in his eight-year career. Pro Football Focus recently gave him a 74.9 grade, ninth at his position. Backup Nick Allegretti — who's played in 74 games in five seasons — should fill in for the 31-year-old.
Baltimore led the league in sacks in the regular season (60). In the postseason, it has allowed the fewest yards (213 YPG) and points (10 PPG). PFF rated Kansas City's O-line as the 18th best in the league. It wouldn't be a surprise if it struggles to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes against an elite defense.
K.C. should rely on its ground attack to take the pressure off of Mahomes. Second-year running back Isiah Pacheco has raised his game in the playoffs. He's second in rushing yards (186) and tied for third in rushing TDs (two).
Baltimore's ability to stop the run is its biggest defensive weakness. The Ravens are 13th in the league in rushing yards allowed (105.4).
With or without Thuney, pulling off an upset against Baltimore will be a massive challenge for the Chiefs. As of Wednesday, FanDuel lists the Ravens as a 3.5-point favorite in their home game.
Kansas City, however, has found a way to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. The Chiefs have won two Super Bowls over the past four years and aim to become the first team to repeat as champions since the 2004 New England Patriots.
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