In a major blow to the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line, lineman Joe Thuney has been ruled out for the upcoming highly anticipated game. Thuney, who had previously missed the AFC Championship game due to the same injury he sustained against the Dolphins a week prior, will be unable to take the field on Sunday, according to Head Coach Andy Reid.

Thuney, a three-time Super Bowl winner and one of Kansas City's best linemen, was graded as the second-best interior offensive lineman in the NFL by ESPN before the start of the season. Known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, Thuney boasts an impressive track record, having missed only two games in his seven-year career with the Chiefs and the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots drafted Thuney in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he played a pivotal role in their appearance in three consecutive Super Bowls from 2017-2019, emerging as champions twice. Thuney joined the Chiefs in 2021 and secured his third ring last year.

In Thuney's absence, the Chiefs will turn to five-year veteran Nick Allegretti to fill the void on the offensive line during the big game. Allegretti, a seventh-round pick who has spent his entire career with the Chiefs, has mainly served as a backup.

"I take my lead from [Chiefs head coach Andy] Reid," stated offensive line coach Andy Heck. "He's always preached 'next man up.' So, everybody reps the same in practice, everybody prepares the same. In this case, 'Nick Allegretti, you're the next man up. Let's go. Just step in.' There's not a big production. He steps in, it's a seamless operation."

The Chiefs, known for their depth in offensive linemen, will be relying on Allegretti's abilities to seamlessly integrate into the team's gameplay. Thuney's absence will undoubtedly be felt, given his consistent performance and rare mistakes on the field.

As the Chiefs prepare for the big game, the hopes of Chiefs fans rest on Allegretti and the rest of the team to step up in Thuney's absence. The upcoming matchup will undoubtedly test the team's resilience and depth as they aim to secure victory on the grandest stage of all.