Super Bowl 58 Injury Report: Injuries to Watch

Super Bowl 58 is sure to be a spectacle.

Getting to the Super Bowl itself is a war of attrition, modern NFL players have to deal with a grueling 18-week schedule, and the playoffs, for the right to play in the big game. At this point in the season, almost all the players on the field are dealing with some sort of ailment. Understanding which players may not be able to suit up for the game, and how that will affect their teams' gameplan is a key ingredient of betting on the Super Bowl. Let's take a look at which players will miss the 49ers vs Chiefs matchup, and how that could effect betting on the big game.

Memorable Super Bowl Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries ALWAYS play a factor in the outcome of the Super Bowl. Remember, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas battled through torn elbow ligaments, a torn MCL, and a torn labrum respectively to play in Super Bowl 49. While Terrell Owens famously took the field in Super Bowl 39 just seven weeks after suffering a broken bone and partially torn ligament in his foot. Plaxico Burress played through two bad ankles, a torn pinky, and a sprained MCL and wound up catching the game-winning touchdown to deny the New England Patriots a perfect season in Super Bowl 42.

Just last season, rumors swirled around Patrick Mahomes' injured ankle, after he seemingly rolled it in the Chiefs' victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On top of that, Mr. Taylor Swift himself, Travis Kelce suffered a back injury in practice that limited his performance in the playoffs. Similarly, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a shoulder injury late last year and was banged up in the playoffs.

Key Injuries to Watch in Super Bowl 58

For the first time in what seems like forever, both teams will head into Super Bowl 58 at close to full strength.

However, Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney will miss his second straight contest with a pectoral injury. Thuney's injury could loom large. He's one of the finest guards in the NFL and the Chiefs will miss his leadership and communication up front. Kansas City will rely on backup Nick Allegretti to hold up at the point of attack against Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave.

The Chiefs could get a huge boost as running back Jerick McKinnon has been activated off of injured reserve. He's missed the last six weeks with a groin injury, but McKinnon has been a favorite of both Reid and Mahomes in the passing game. McKinnon is the type of player who can make something out of nothing on key third downs. It may seem small, but Super Bowl's very often come down who to can convert in clutch situations, and McKinnon gives the Chiefs another weapon to help exploit the 49ers defense. He could give a huge boost to the Chiefs for Super Bowl 58. Defensive end Charles Omenihu will miss the Super Bowl after injuring his knee in the AFC Championship game.

Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers stars Arik Armstead and George Kittle will play after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Neither appear on the final Super Bowl injury report. Defensive tackle Kalia Davis is questionable for the big game, but has played just 54 snaps for the 49ers all year.