2 min read • January 30, 2023
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The Kansas City Chiefs have advanced to their third Super Bowl in the last four seasons, but emerged from the AFC Championship game thin at wide receiver. Below our panel of doctors detail the various wideout injuries and how likely each one is to play effectively in Super Bowl LVII.
The former Steelers wideout appeared to suffer a left knee injury early in the third quarter and did not finish the game.
He returned briefly in the third quarter, but was unable to finish the game. His injury was not immediately clear by video.
He was spotted on the exercise bike during the game, but reportedly had a tough time walking up stairs postgame.
Odds are, given the extra week to rest, Smith-Schuster will be ready to play in Super Bowl LVII. How effective he can be cutting will be the real question.
Hardman played for the first time since Week 9 but reportedly reaggravated his pelvis injury on an 11-yard catch early in the third quarter.
The speed threat did not return and is unlikely to heal in time to be effective in Super Bowl LVII. Core muscle injuries are difficult for wide receivers to play through with all the twisting required at the position.
Hardman had 2 catches for 10 yards on 3 targets before the injury.
The speedy wideout was hurt late in the first quarter and did not return. By video, Toney’s injury initially looked like a possible mid-foot or turf toe injury.
Given his play style, a turf toe injury or ankle sprain would make it tough for him to play through. He relies heavily on his ability to cut in space, thus will likely have limited effectiveness even with the extra week to rest.
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Chiefs JuJu Smith-Schuster could barely get up the stairs to the locker room. He’s hurting pretty good
