KC Chiefs vs. Ravens AFC Championship Injuries and Inactives: Who's In, Who's Out?
The AFC Championship Game is almost here, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens set to meet up in an epic clash between two of the conference's best.
Stakes don't get much higher than this, as a trip to Super Bowl LVIII awaits. For Kansas City, this is their sixth AFC title game appearance in a row. With a victory, Andy Reid's team would have an opportunity to become the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions since the New England Patriots a couple of decades ago.
There's a serious challenge standing in the way, though. Likely 2023-24 MVP winner Lamar Jackson and his Baltimore club were arguably the NFL's best team during the regular season. They also sent the Houston Texans packing in blowout fashion during the Divisional Round, flexing their playoff muscles in the process. Sunday's game is slated to be a classic, with both sides' injury situations adding even more intrigue.
Ahead of their outing on the road, the Chiefs' list of inactive players has been released. Here's who won't suit up for Kansas City:
- WR Kadarius Toney
- CB Keith Taylor
- CB Ekow Boye-Doe
- LB Willie Gay
- DE BJ Thompson
- LG Joe Thuney
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
The Chiefs ruled several players out on Friday in advance of Sunday's contest at M&T Bank Stadium. Nose tackle Derrick Nnadi (tricep), wide receiver Skyy Moore (knee), left guard Joe Thuney (pec) and offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho (quad) made up the list. The most notable name there is Thuney, as the All-Pro missed practice all week with an injury suffered in the Divisional Round. On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided a fresh update on Thuney's future outlook should Kansas City advance to the Super Bowl.
Elsewhere, wideout Kadarius Toney (hip/personal) was a late downgrade on the injury report, with the third-year man moving from questionable to out on Saturday. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is a relative surprise as a late inactive. Gay, who was projected to play a significant role in slowing Jackson down, was in and out of practice this week but the team had initial optimism surrounding his potential availability. With that said, James Palmer of NFL Network reported pregame that Gay was "trending toward not being able to go" after his neck stiffened up on Sunday morning. This is a big-time loss on game day.
The good news for Kansas City is that running back Isiah Pacheco (toe) will play on Sunday. Pacheco has emerged as a top contributor on offense since taking over last season, now evolving into a complete halfback in year No. 2 on the job. The former seventh-round pick didn't practice until Friday, although the club was merely exercising caution with his workload. In the Chiefs' two playoff games this month, Pacheco has 39 carries for 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Safety Mike Edwards, who was previously in concussion protocol, is good to go.
The Ravens' inactives have also been released:
- QB Malik Cunningham
- WR Tylan Wallace
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- LB Del'Shawn Phillips
- C Sam Mustipher
- OG Sala Aumavae-Laulu
- QB Josh Johnson (third quarterback)
A big boost for Baltimore this weekend is tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) coming off the injured reserve list for the team's biggest game of the season. The three-time Pro Bowler will be active for the first time since Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Three players — cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Rock Ya-Sin (knee), as well as wideout Tylan Wallace (knee) — were questionable with linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (shoulder) being doubtful. Of that group, Humphrey is a full-go but the rest will miss Sunday's game.
