The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated events in the American sports calendar. It’s a time when the best teams in the NFL go head-to-head for the ultimate glory. However, injuries and absences are an unfortunate part of the game, and Super Bowl LIX was no exception. This article provides a comprehensive list of players who were absent or injured during Super Bowl LIX.
Before we delve into the list, it’s important to note that injuries can occur at any time during the season, and they can have a significant impact on a team’s performance. Some players may be out for a few weeks, while others may miss the entire season. In some cases, players may decide to retire due to health concerns.
Now, let’s take a look at the players who were absent or injured during Super Bowl LIX:
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): The star quarterback suffered a concussion during the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite passing the concussion protocol, Mahomes was ruled out of the Super Bowl as a precautionary measure.
2. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): The running back tore his ACL in Week 2 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. His absence was a significant blow to the Giants’ offense.
3. Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers): The defensive end suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 and was also ruled out for the rest of the season. Bosa’s injury was a major setback for the 49ers’ defense.
4. Von Miller (Denver Broncos): The linebacker missed the entire season due to an ankle injury he suffered during a practice session before the start of the season.
5. Odell Beckham Jr. (Cleveland Browns): The wide receiver tore his ACL in Week 7 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Beckham’s injury was a significant loss for the Browns’ offense.
6. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys): The quarterback suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Prescott’s injury was a major blow to the Cowboys’ offense.
7. Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers): The running back missed most of the season due to various injuries, including a high ankle sprain and a shoulder injury.
8. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): The rookie quarterback tore his ACL and MCL in Week 11 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Burrow’s injury was a significant setback for the Bengals’ offense.
In addition to these players, several others were absent due to COVID-19 related issues. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the NFL season, with many players testing positive or being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Despite these absences and injuries, Super Bowl LIX was a thrilling event that showcased the resilience and determination of the teams and players. It’s a testament to the depth and talent in the NFL that even without some of its biggest stars, the league can still put on a show that captivates millions of fans around the world.