Chiefs’ Joe Thuney still hopeful for Super Bowl LVIII return

LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney is holding out dwindling hope he’ll be able to play in Super Bowl LVIII after missing the AFC Championship Game with a pectoral injury.

“Feeling alright,” Thuney said Wednesday. “Just trying to control what I can control and I think we’ll know more as the game gets closer.”

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Thuney’s chances to be active for the game are “slim.” Nick Allegretti is preparing to fill in for Thuney, a three-time Super Bowl champion, as he did in Kansas City’s victory at Baltimore two weeks ago.

“Four Super Bowls in five years, it’s hard to fathom. Definitely emotional last week,” Allegretti said of his chance to start at Baltimore. “It definitely doesn’t get old.”

Thuney said he was “so proud” of Allegretti’s performance and expects him to excel if he’s back in the starting role this week.

“Not trying to think too much, do what I can each day,” Thuney said.

Thuney, 31, started the first 18 games of the season, including the wild-card round against the Miami Dolphins. His injury typically requires a recovery of four to six weeks. He was injured in the divisional playoff win at Buffalo on Jan. 21.