Reports: KC Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon Activated, Super Bowl Status Questionable
The Kansas City Chiefs are making their final round of roster moves of the season leading up to their Super Bowl LVIII matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, and the first update brings good news for KC's veteran running back.
RB Jerick McKinnon activated off IR
According to multiple reports just before 3 p.m. CT Saturday, the Chiefs activated running back Jerick McKinnon from the Injured Reserve list, meaning that he will be eligible to play against the 49ers on Sunday. Multiple reporters noted that he is expected to be a game-time decision, with James Palmer describing McKinnon's status as "still up in the air." McKinnon's status is still reflected in his official game designation: questionable.
The Chiefs opened McKinnon's practice window on Feb. 3, just over a month after he reportedly had surgery on Jan. 2 due to an injury suffered against the New England Patriots on Dec. 24. With just one week of practice time before the Super Bowl, McKinnon had a much shorter ramp-up period than Chiefs players usually receive before returning to action.
The Chiefs' third running back in McKinnon's absence, La'Mical Perine, has played just four offensive snaps in the playoffs, all coming against the Miami Dolphins, but he played 13 special teams snaps against the Ravens and 12 against both the Bills and Dolphins.
The Chiefs later confirmed the move, officially activating McKinnon.
In a corresponding move, the Chiefs placed guard Joe Thuney on Injured Reserve. On Friday, the Chiefs ruled Thuney out along with tackle Prince Tega Wanogho (IR).
Chiefs elevate DT Mike Pennel
Along with the McKinnon and Thuney moves, the Chiefs also elevated defensive tackle Mike Pennel from the practice squad via standard elevation, as they did for three regular-season games in December and all three postseason games.
The Chiefs have been without starting defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi since he exited their Wild Card round win over the Dolphins with a triceps injury that ended his season. Pennel played 20 defensive snaps (34%) against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game and 40 snaps (52%) against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson played 16 snaps in Buffalo but was not elevated in Baltimore or for the Super Bowl.
