Kansas City Chiefs lose another linebacker shortly before facing Ravens

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has been dealing with an ongoing neck injury in recent weeks that's kept him limited in practice and questionable for game time. On Sunday afternoon, it's remained such an issue that Gay is being held out of the team's contest against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game.

The Chiefs and Ravens are scheduled to take the field on Sunday for the chance to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LVIII.

The Chiefs are down one of their top linebackers as they take the field against the Ravens.

For Kansas City, the loss of Gay is a significant drop in the team's linebacking corps in terms of depth and talent. Gay is perhaps the most athletically gifted linebacker of the lot and was likely set to play a spy role on such a talented dual-threat quarterback like Lamar Jackson.

That said, the Chiefs have invested in a lot of young talent in recent years at linebacker both through the draft and free agency. Nick Bolton remains the leader and communicator and the best tackler in the second level. Leo Chenal now also has a chance for greater rep as he grows into more than just a tenacious run-stopper. Drue Tranquill is also a well-rounded linebacker who might step into some of Gay's assignments.

Gay, a former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had 58 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1 sack on the season for the Chifes.