After two long weeks of speculation, the Kansas City Chiefs’ final injury report ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl has been revealed — and it’s nothing but good news.
Every Chiefs player on the active roster was a “full practice” on Friday. Yes, that includes cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and his last-minute knee issue, as well as wide receivers Kadarius Toney (ankle/hip) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee).
As expected, quarterback Patrick Mahomes II is also ready to roll despite a high ankle sprain during the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The other KC contributors that were listed on the report (and cleared) were linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (shoulder), right guard Trey Smith (ankle), and running backs Isiah Pacheco (wrist) and Jerick McKinnon (ankles).
The #Chiefs have no injury designations for Super Bowl LVII. QB Patrick Mahomes, CB L’Jarius Sneed, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and WR Kadarius Toney are all good to go.
Eagles Follow Suit With Near-Clean Bill of Health in Super Bowl LVII
Like the Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to get themselves healthy after the lengthy rest from the championship games to Super Bowl weekend. Their official Twitter account released their final injury report on Friday afternoon.
Friday injury report
The Eagles had a long list of “limited” participants on Thursday, but most were considered veteran rest days. The only players that were somewhat questionable heading into the final day of practice were cornerback Avonte Maddox (toe), right tackle Lane Johnson (groin), guard Landon Dickerson (new addition on Thursday, elbow), center Cam Jurgens (hip), and wide receiver Britain Covey (hamstring).
All of those limited participants appear to be good to go now, however, aside from Covey. The wide receiver will go down as the only official “questionable” tag of the 2023 Super Bowl.
Chiefs’ Andy Reid Talks Key Super Bowl Matchups
During his most recent press conference on February 9, head coach Andy Reid discussed what is expected to be the head-to-head matchup that determines the 2023 Super Bowl.
“I’d tell ya that when you get in the playoffs, that combination right there — the O-lines versus the D-lines on both teams — ends up being kind of the thing that wins or loses games,” Reid told reporters, “and it’s magnified every level that you go up.”
He continued: “[In] the Super Bowl, [the trench matchups will] be magnified the most… Normally, who[ever] wins that battle ends up winning the game, and so that’s what you’ll see. I’m sure that will be the same way in this game, as it is in most Super Bowls.”
Chiefs fans know this to be true. In 2019, a healthier offensive line helped limit pass rushers like Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford. Only defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was in on multiple sacks for the San Francisco 49ers during that title clash.
Then, one year later, a depleted blocking unit was ripped to shreds by an impressive Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rush that had Mahomes running for his life most of the game. KC won the first SB appearance and got blown out in the second one, 31-9.
Now, the Chiefs find themselves up against the defense with the most sacks in the NFL in 2022, and this strong offensive line will be tested once again. Ironically, it’s the same matchup on the other side of the ball as the second-ranked defense in terms of sacks — an “overlooked” group led by Chris Jones — faces off against a stout offensive line centered by likely future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce (who’s brotherly ties are well-known by now).
Yep, it’s trench warfare at its finest in Super Bowl 57, and we’re officially 48 hours from the coin toss.
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Chiefs Make Final Super Bowl Decision on L’Jarius Sneed & Kadarius Toney