Illness spreading around New Orleans has been a key storyline this week before the matchup on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The illness appears to be continuing to spread around the locker room ahead of Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Illness first became a story when Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter missed his media availability on Wednesday and was limited at practice due to sickness. Reports surfaced that multiple players were battling illness in Philadelphia’s locker room.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have illnesses
Carter appears to be fine to play on Sunday. He was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. No other Eagles play landed on the injury report for illness.
The Chiefs placed punter Matt Araiza on the injury report for having an illness this week. Per Friday’s injury report, he’s good to go on Sunday. However, another Chiefs player came down with an illness late in the week.
Fabien Lovett left practice due to illness
Per Pro Football Writers of America and The Atlanta Voice, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed another player is dealing with an illness. Practice squad defensive tackle Fabien Lovett had to leave practice on Friday due to an illness.
Via The Atlanta Voice:
“The Chiefs had perfect attendance for the third straight day, though practice squad defensive lineman Fabien Lovett left midway through Friday’s practice with an illness, Reid said.”
Lovett, an undrafted rookie, wasn’t expected to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl. The big news is that a 25-year-old former Florida State standout had to leave on the final day of practice. It appears whatever illness is hitting the Chiefs is still circulating.
Lovett’s illness is worrisome given his proximity to other Chiefs players during practice. Kansas City will hope players on their offensive line and defensive tackle Chris Jones are healthy for Sunday’s matchup.
(Update):
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, several Kansas City players had the flu this week but have “hunkered down” before Sunday’s game.
