There’s already heartbreak involving Super Bowl LVIII for one participant.
All Charles Omenihu needed was one symbol on Monday to describe his status two weeks ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers matchup: A heartbreak emoji.
Omenihu is among the early injuries ahead of the Super Bowl LIV rematch. He’s part of a growing list of players battling ailments ahead of the final NFL contest of the season that’ll decide the champion.
Chiefs’ Kadarius Toney Among Those Atop Injury List
Omenihu will miss out on a chance to play against his former team, the 49ers, at Allegiant Stadium. He was a valuable and versatile rotational defender who often started due to his length and power.
The 6’5″, 280-pound lineman isn’t the only significant injury, though.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney was ruled out by the Chiefs on Sunday vs. the Baltimore Ravens with what was described as a hip injury. He was on last year’s Chiefs team that held off the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35, in Super Bow LVII in Glendale, Arizona.
Toney, however, took to his personal Instagram page to deny he was hurt.
“Man, that s*** crap,” Toney said Sunday on IG Live. “I’m not hurt. None of that s***. Save that s***. …On God, not hurt. None of that. It go from hip to ankle to this to that.”
Toney was also out due to the birth of his daughter. Still, the Chiefs have yet to clear him to practice or play.
Any Injuries on the 49ers’ Side?
Omenihu and Toney aren’t the only ones who were given an injury designation by their teams.
On the 49ers’ side, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed who’s dealing with their own aches and pains ahead of the Super Bowl. Some of them are integral members of their run.
- Dre Greenlaw: Stinger to the linebacker’s shoulder — briefly left during the NFC title game vs. the Detroit Lions.
- Ambry Thomas: Ankle — was given 42 snaps of defense at cornerback.
- Jauan Jennings: Head — Shanahan said the wide receiver cleared concussion protocol.
The most eye-grabbing moment, though, involved star running back Christian McCaffrey. He left the game momentarily after landing awkwardly on his neck/shoulder late in the fourth quarter. He ultimately didn’t return.
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However, McCaffrey said to reporters postgame after the 49ers win that he doesn’t believe his injury is significant.
“I’m not a doctor, but I feel fine now,” McCaffrey said. “My shoulder felt a little weird, and I just didn’t want to not be able to grip the ball, especially in a crucial time like that.”
Still, McCaffrey was ecstatic to see Elijah Mitchell — who led the 49ers in rushing yards in 2021 before the blockbuster trade for McCaffrey — carry the load and score late for San Francisco. Judging by McCaffrey’s words, he’ll be ready to go on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.
Complete Chiefs Injuries Include Other Key Starters
Pivoting back to the defending champs, KC is dealing with more than not having Omenihu and the pending status of Toney.
Here were the other notable players who were out or dealt with injuries vs. Baltimore:
- Derrick Nnadi: Placed on injured reserve with a triceps injury Friday, meaning he’ll be unavailable for Super Bowl LVIII.
- Skyy Moore: Knee ailment — also held out of Sunday’s game.
- Trey Smith: Illness — status for the guard’s availability for Super Bowl LVIII is pending.
- Isiah Pacheco: Calf — played through the pain against the Ravens.
- L’Jarius Sneed: Calf — also remained out on the field at M&T Bank Stadium.
For what it’s worth, Pacheco and Sneed are all but assured of being available for the big game. Both established themselves as key pieces for the offense and defense, respectively. But for the time being, KC and SF each have their share of injuries ahead of the league’s eighth-ever Super Bowl rematch.
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