Report: Chiefs' Joe Thuney 'Unlikely' to Play vs. Ravens with Pectoral Injury

Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney is reportedly not expected to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game matchup against the Baltimore Ravens due to a pectoral injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thuney is "working like crazy to play" but will not practice Wednesday. The Pro Bowler suffered a pec strain in last week's win over the Buffalo Bills.

The Chiefs are monitoring several injuries coming out of last weekend's Divisional Round win. Safety Mike Edwards suffered a concussion, Willie Gay Jr. is dealing with a neck injury and running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a toe injury.

That said, Thuney is the most vital player of the bunch. The 31-year-old has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons, emerging as arguably the premier guard in the entire sport. His blocking is critical to the success of Pacheco in the running game and to protecting Patrick Mahomes in the pocket.

The Ravens boast one of the NFL's top defenses, so Thuney's absence would put the underdog Chiefs at an even greater disadvantage.

Nick Allegretti would be the starter if Thuney is unable to go. Allegretti has a ton of experience under Andy Reid, having been on the roster since 2019, but he'll be a seismic step down in skill level.