Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is unlikely to play at Super Bowl LVIII despite being left off the final injury report, according to widespread reports.
Toney starred at Super Bowl LVII as the Chiefs recovered from a 10-point half-time deficit to beat the Philadelphia Eagles, catching one touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes and teeing up another score with a 56-yard punt return.
However, he has struggled for fitness and consistency this season, last featuring in a Week 15 win over the New England Patriots, in which he deflected a pass to a defender for an almost-costly interception.
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Toney has been listed as having hip and ankle injuries during the postseason, though he made headlines by appearing to question the Chiefs’ reporting of his fitness after last month’s AFC Championship win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Toney said he was “not hurt” in an expletive-filled video posted to his Instagram account, though he later claimed the rant was aimed at fans of the New York Giants, his former team.
Asked whether Toney would face the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said: “We’ll see whether he’s up or not.”
On Sunday, ESPN reported Toney would not suit up for the Super Bowl, as the Chiefs bid to become just the eighth different franchise to capture back-to-back titles.
We have activated RB Jerick McKinnon from Reserve/Injured.
We have activated Practice Squad player NT Mike Pennel via Standard Elevation.
We have placed G Joe Thuney on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/aylQqvslKh
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 10, 2024
Another low point of Toney’s disappointing season came in Kansas City’s dramatic Week 14 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, with his potential go-ahead touchdown chalked off after he was flagged offside, having failed to check his position with the sideline official.
On Saturday, the Chiefs officially activated running back Jerick McKinnon from injured reserve, though it remains unclear whether he will suit up for the game.
A groin injury has prevented McKinnon from featuring since the Chiefs’ aforementioned win over the Patriots in December, with the 31-year-old having 25 catches for 192 yards and four touchdowns this year.
Meanwhile, Kansas City have placed Joe Thuney on injured reserve and activated Mike Pennel Jr. from their practice squad, while the 49ers have promoted Alex Barrett and T.Y. McGill to their active roster, also downgrading Kalia Davis from questionable to out with an ankle issue.
The #49ers have made the following roster moves ahead of #SBLVIII. https://t.co/0RlodI7P8F
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 10, 2024
