Unsigned until May — in fairness, likely due to salary cap reasons — McKinnon failed to maintain the momentum of his comeback 2022, struggling for touches early in the season before landing on injured reserve following sports-hernia surgery. The change-of-pace back never bettered four carries or seven touches in a game, looking out of gas on the ground and less efficient than usual as a pass catcher. He allowed Isiah Pacheco to operate as the primary receiving back. Going on 32 with a lengthy injury history and lack of 2023 production, it’s possible McKinnon has played his final NFL contest.

Both players were recently activated from injured reserve and will be active against the 49ers. Inactive for the Chiefs are WR Justyn Ross, WR Kadarius Toney, RB La’Mical Perine, CB Ekow Boye-Doe, DE BJ Thompson, and LB Darius Harris.

McKinnon’s rehab has been nothing short of spectacular considering he underwent surgery to repair a hernia just five weeks ago. While his snap rate remains up in the air, the Chiefs get a solid boost to their red zone offense with McKinnon expected back on the field. That’s an important aspect of this matchup considering the Chiefs had the second largest drop in red zone touchdown rate from 2022 to 2023 during the regular season.

The Chiefs are taking McKinnon right up until game time after activating him from injured reserve with the intent to wait until Sunday to decide his game-day status for the Super Bowl. McKinnon is attempting to return from hernia surgery just five weeks ago. Lead back Isiah Pacheco has taken a commanding share of the backfield opportunities in the absence of McKinnon, the latter of whom could now feasibly reclaim his hefty red zone and schemed usage role should he return.