LAS VEGAS – Running back Jerick McKinnon, who earned Super Bowl praise a year ago for sliding short of the end zone to run out the clock against the Philadelphia Eagles, will suit up in Super Bowl LVIII just 40 days after surgery for a core muscle.
McKinnon, who underwent surgery on Jan. 2 for the injury also involving a fractured pelvis, will be one of three running backs active for the Chiefs along with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He last played in Week 15 against the New England Patriots, a game in which he rushed four times for 11 yards and caught three passes for 19 yards including a touchdown. On the season, McKinnon played in 12 games while rushing for 60 yards on 21 carries and catching 25 passes for 192 yards and four touchdowns.
Also making his first return to the lineup for the Chiefs since Week 15 is wide receiver Skyy Moore, who suffered a knee injury against the Patriots. Moore played 14 regular-season games for the Chiefs, catching 21 passes for 244 yards and a score. He also rushed three times for 33 yards.
Moore will be one of six wide receivers activated for the Chiefs on Sunday along with Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Richie James and Mecole Hardman. On the inactive list are Kadarius Toney and Justyn Ross.
The complete list of inactive players for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII:
- RB La’Mical Perine
- WR Kadarius Toney
- WR Justyn Ross
- DE BJ Thompson
- LB Darius Harris
- CB Ekow Boye-Doe
On Saturday the Chiefs elevated defensive tackle Mike Pennel from the practice squad. The club activated McKinnon from injured reserve, making room on the roste by placing left guard Joe Thuney on injured reserve.
With Thuney out, Nick Allegretti will make his second straight postseason start at left guard. That leaves on the bench as backups tackles Wanya Morris and Lucas Niang and interior lineman Mike Caliendo.
The list of inactive players for the 49ers:
- QB Brandon Allen
- WR Ronnie Bell
- OL Matt Pryor
- DL Alex Barrett
- DL T.Y. McGill
- LB Jalen Graham
- CB Samuel Womack III
