NEW DELHI: In the lead-up to the highly anticipated AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs face uncertainties regarding the availability of crucial players following Wednesday's practice session.
Left guard Joe Thuney, right guard Trey Smith, and running back Isiah Pacheco were notable absentees from the practice field. Thuney, dealing with a pectoral injury sustained in the divisional playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, is considered the least likely among the five absent players to participate in Sunday's championship clash.
Smith, held out due to illness, is listed as day-to-day, providing a ray of hope for his potential return. On the other hand, Pacheco, who sat out due to a toe injury, expressed unwavering confidence in his participation against the Ravens. Despite leading the Chiefs in carries this season and delivering impressive performances in the playoffs, Pacheco remains focused on overcoming the injury hurdle.
"Absolutely," affirmed Pacheco when asked about his confidence in playing against the Ravens. "Working with the training room, just doing a great job in there. Just blessed to be a part of it and continue to get better every day."
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Thuney's absence from Wednesday's practice and acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding safety Mike Edwards (concussion) and wide receiver Skyy Moore (knee), who were also unavailable.
While reports indicate Thuney's availability for Sunday as doubtful, the All-Pro left guard has been an instrumental part of the Chiefs' offensive line, earning his first All-Pro first-team selection this season. In the event Thuney is unable to play, Nick Allegretti, who stepped in during the victory against Buffalo, is poised to take on a more prominent role.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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