The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57, but they may be without some very notable players in the matchup.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed on Thursday, saying that he does not expect wide receiver Mecole Hardman to be available for the contest.
Andy Reid on Mecole Hardman: "I doubt that he'll make the Super Bowl. He was not going to be denied the other day (last Sunday). That's a tribute to the kid. He push himself like no other. He's a tough, tough kid."
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) February 2, 2023
Hardman has been out due to a pelvis injury since Week 9 of the regular season, so this isn’t exactly shocking news that he likely won’t be able to go.
However, a number of players who were previously active in the AFC Championship game are also in question to play in the Super Bowl.
Kansas City released their injury report on Friday, listing wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney all as questionable for Super Bowl LVII.
This is certainly a worrying injury report for Kansas City. Smith-Shuster led all Chiefs receivers in receptions and yards in the regular season. Sneed is tied for the team lead in interceptions during the regular season.
Perhaps the only silver lining for the team is that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes seems to be recovered from his high-ankle sprain, logging full practices this week.
This injury report certainly caught the attention of many Chiefs fans. While some were concerned with this designation for key players, others believe that they will ultimately suit up in the matchup.
Juju, Sneed, Toney and Willie Gay all questionable to play 9 days out from the Super Bowl. Mecole Hardman doubtful. #Chiefs https://t.co/XSt6fD0Kaw
— Tommy Rezac (@TommyKFEQ) February 3, 2023
Hardman is doubtful. Sneed, Smith-Schuster and Toney are questionable. https://t.co/RqPjW5fhWM
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) February 3, 2023
Don’t read too far into this Chiefs Kingdom still plenty of time for the boys to get healthy https://t.co/DtZOHFm0jB
— Sean Campbell (@super_seanic1) February 3, 2023
Lots of talent on that list… fingers crossed it gets shorter closer to the game.
— AJJ (@ajjohnson114) February 3, 2023
There is obviously plenty of time still ahead of the game for these players to get their health in order. However, having three key wide receivers listed as questionable has to be worrying for Chiefs fans.