Super Bowl LIX Inactives
The anticipation leading up to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles has been nothing short of electric. However, as is always the case in football’s biggest game, not every player will get the chance to step onto the grand stage. With the official inactives list now confirmed, both teams have made crucial roster decisions that could impact the flow of the game.
Chiefs’ Final Roster Decisions
The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs have finalized their gameday roster, ruling out a few familiar faces. Head coach Andy Reid and his staff have made the difficult choices necessary to field the best possible lineup against an equally formidable Eagles squad. The inactives for Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX include:
- Blaine Gabbert (QB) – With Patrick Mahomes firmly entrenched as the starter and Shane Buechele serving as the backup, Gabbert was the odd man out.
- La’Mical Perine (RB) – With a stacked running back room featuring Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Perine will have to watch from the sidelines.
- Kadarius Toney (WR) – A significant absence, but perhaps not a surprising one given his recent struggles with injuries and consistency.
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette (WR) – With the Chiefs’ depth at receiver, Smith-Marsette remains on the inactive list.
- Chukwuebuka Godrick (OL) – The developmental offensive lineman remains sidelined.
- BJ Thompson (DE) – Thompson has yet to crack the active roster in a major way.
Toney’s absence will be notable in the Chiefs’ passing attack, but with Mahomes at quarterback and Travis Kelce ready to make plays, the defending champs should have enough firepower to adjust accordingly.
Eagles Announce Their Inactives
On the other side, the Philadelphia Eagles have also made their final inactives official. With a deep and talented roster, some difficult calls were necessary for head coach Nick Sirianni and company. Here’s who won’t be dressing for Super Bowl LIX in midnight green:
- Tanner McKee (QB) – McKee serves as the third-string quarterback behind Jalen Hurts and Marcus Mariota.
- Rashaad Penny (RB) – It’s been a tough season for Penny, who never found a consistent role in the Eagles’ backfield.
- Johnny King (WR) – The young receiver remains on the outside looking in on a deep Eagles receiving corps.
- Tyler Steen (OL) – The rookie offensive lineman remains inactive as the Eagles stick with their primary rotation up front.
- Moro Ojomo (DT) – Ojomo remains a healthy scratch on Philadelphia’s defensive line.
Perhaps the most interesting name left off the active list is Rashaad Penny, who, despite his potential, has been largely a non-factor this season. With D’Andre Swift leading the way in the running game, the Eagles will rely on their usual backfield contributors.
Key Takeaways from These Inactive Lists
Ultimately, while these players won’t see the field, their absences will still influence strategy on both sides. The Chiefs will need to navigate their wide receiver options carefully without Kadarius Toney, while the Eagles’ decision to sit Penny shows how their ground game has evolved over the course of the season. Neither team is facing a game-changing, season-altering inactive list, but at this stage in the season, every roster decision matters. Super Bowl LIX is set up to be a thrilling, high-stakes battle between two of the NFL’s best. Now, all that’s left is to see who delivers when it matters most.
