Chiefs Rumors: Joe Thuney May Need Surgery on Injury, 'Long-Shot' If KC in Super Bowl

Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Joe Thuney is "considered a long-shot" to suit up for Super Bowl LVIII if the team advances that far, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported the All-Pro has sought multiple opinions regarding his pectoral injury, with conclusions ranging from a strain to a full tear. Surgery hasn't been ruled out just yet.

There was at least an initial hope Thuney might be cleared in time for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens after getting injured in the 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills. But the Chiefs removed any doubt when they listed him as out in their official injury report.

Kansas City allowed the second-fewest sacks (28) during the regular season, and Thuney was one reason why.

"While he didn't dominate as a run blocker in 2023, Thuney offset that with his work as a pass blocker," Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness wrote when naming the 31-year-old to the site's All-Pro squad at left guard. "His 83.4 PFF pass-blocking grade was the best among all guards after he let up 33 quarterback pressures from 740 pass-blocking snaps."

The Chiefs will be without their best interior lineman against a Ravens defense that had more sacks (60) than any other team. Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led Baltimore with 13 sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.

Thuney's status for the Super Bowl might be irrelevant because Kansas City will struggle to claim the AFC crown if it can't provide Patrick Mahomes with time in the pocket.