Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Super Bowl LIX Updates for Jalen Hurts, Rashee Rice, Kenneth Gainwell, Mecole Hardman

It feels like yesterday when we watched Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs start their quest for a three-peat with a close win against the Baltimore Ravens on opening night. But now, the season is almost over, and just one game remains.

The Chiefs beat Josh Allen and the Bills once again, and will take on a familiar foe: Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, who they defeated two years ago in Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles are looking for revenge, while the Chiefs are looking to become the only team in the Super Bowl era to three-peat. The stakes have never been higher.

Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Super Bowl LIX. Don't forget to bookmark our fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts to stay notified.

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Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts has gone from a bridge QB to a certified Philadelphia Eagles legend in just three years. Hurts has led his squad to two Super Bowl appearances in these three seasons and is finally looking to win his first ring.

👀 Look like Jalen Hurts took off his knee brace pic.twitter.com/nyKvT9Ex3f

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 26, 2025

However, Hurts is still feeling the effects of the knee injury he suffered in the third quarter of the Eagles' Divisional Round victory against the Rams.

Hurts was able to finish that game and the game against the Commanders, but had to wear a knee brace to start the game. Eventually, Hurts took the brace off before the game ended.

After the game, Hurts said he was also dealing with sickness and that playing with the injuries was "challenging" and "exhausting." Luckily for Eagles fans, Hurts has proven he can play at a high level despite nagging injuries and will take his time to recover before his second Super Bowl.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Despite injuries and off-field drama, Rashee Rice has the chance to win his second Super Bowl in just as many seasons. Unfortunately, he won't have a chance to impact the game's outcome, as he has been officially ruled out.

Kansas City didn't open his 21-day practice window on January 19, which was the deadline to do so for him to be eligible to play in Super Bowl LIX. Regardless, Rice is expected to be ready next season and will be hoping to enter his third year as a two-time champion.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles RB2 Kenneth Gainwell was a huge part of his team's run in the 2022-23 playoffs, as he ran for 112 yards and scored a touchdown against the Giants, and had 54 yards from scrimmage against the 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Gainwell was quite ineffective in his first Super Bowl appearance, rushing for 21 yards on seven carries as the Eagles fell to the Chiefs.

Gainwell might not have a chance to get his revenge this year, as he suffered a concussion against the Commanders in the 2024-25 NFC Championship game.

Gainwell will have to clear the concussion protocol to play in the big game, which takes anywhere between six days to three weeks. Fortunately for the Eagles, rookie RB Will Shipley stepped up in Gainwell's absence against the Commanders and will look to do it again if Gainwell misses the Super Bowl.

Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Mecole Hardman famously scored the walk-off game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII and is looking to add a fourth Super Bowl to his resume, something only 37 players have done in NFL history (in the Super Bowl era).

Mecole Hardman wears many hats. pic.twitter.com/QJkGEdVaf6

— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) January 27, 2025

Unfortunately, Hardman has been on Injured Reserve since Week 13. He was designated to return for the Chiefs' Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans but was ruled out for that game and for the AFC Championship game as well.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Hardman "gave it his all", but the Chiefs would "probably put him back" on the Injured Reserve list.

It's a tough break for Hardman, and the Chiefs will likely utilize Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marquise Brown as their main wide receivers in the Super Bowl.

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