There is perhaps no coincidence in this poster. Spared by major glitches during the season, the Chiefs and the 49ers will have most of their potential for this Super Bowl LVIII. However, Kansas City lost some important elements during the playoffs. Absent on the lines which could give an advantage to the 49ers in a sector which will be crucial.
Accustomed to a busy infirmary, San Francisco presents itself with most of its forces. Only one starter absent and a team which presents itself in almost perfect conditions to try to win a 6th Lombardi trophy.
San Francisco 49ers
Absent: Talanoa Hufanga (S), Drake Jackson (DE), Clelin Ferrell (DE), Cameron Latu (TE), Ross Dwelley (TE)
He is perhaps the most notable absence from this Super Bown LVIII. Revelation of last season, Talanoa Hufanga has established himself as a key element of the 49ers defense. Victim of torn cruciate ligaments in mid-November, he leaves a void on the final defensive curtain that the rookie Ji'Ayir Brown and the veteran Logan Ryan will try to compensate.
On the defensive line, it’s the men in the rotation who will be missing. Jackson and Ferrell mostly played understudies or situational roles.
Kansas City Chiefs
Injured but present: Jerick McKinnon (RB)
Valuable for his versatility, Jerick McKinnon, absent since mid-December, returned to training this week with the Big Game in his sights. With Isiah Pacheco, he will compose an offensive backfield which could have a major role to play in winning a second title in a row.
Officially, McKinnon is doubtful for the game.
Absent: Joe Thuney (OL), Charles Omenihu (DE), Derick Nnadi (DL), Bryan Cook (S), Prince Tega Wanogho (OT)
Injured during the divisional round against the Bills, Thuney suffered a pectoral muscle injury and he was officially announced out on Friday. His absence would be a big blow for the Chiefs offensive line which will already face great adversity.
Damaged by the playoffs, the defensive line lost two starters during the playoff matches. The latest to fall, and not the least, Charles Omenihu was seriously injured in the conference final. His ability to put pressure on would have been a valuable asset. Particularly valuable against the ground threat, Derick Nnadi will certainly be missed as his team prepares to face the best runner in the NFL. The ground duel being one of the keys to the match, its absence could be a determining parameter.
