Why Is Nigerian-Born Prince Tega Wanogho Not Playing? Decoding Chiefs OT’s Season-Ending Quadriceps Injury Before Super Bowl LVIII Race

The long-awaited Super Bowl race has carried its excitement and some downfalls for NFL stars and enthusiasts. Be it a loss, near miss outs, or injuries, the teams have braven through the season. However, with Super Sunday only days away, Kansas City Chiefs and Prince Tega Wanogho have witnessed a disappointment walk their way as the 26-year-old stood to incur a season-ending injury.

A couple of months ago, during one of the Chiefs’ practice sessions, the team’s offensive tackle, Tega Wangoho had torn his quadriceps muscle. The 26-year-old was obliged to sit out the next games, only to be announced out of the Super Bowl earlier today. Here’s what led to the decision.

Kansas City Chiefs are all set to miss out on crucial players

Earlier today the Chiefs took to their social media page to announce that after much speculation, Prince Tega Wanogho would be ruled out of the Super Bowl. After being an injured reserve for months, the injury has finally gotten Wanogho brutally out of the coveted stage alongside Joe Thuney. The decision arrived after the player suffered a group of four muscle tears in September 2023. The injury is known to be a rare occurrence resulting in the inability to extend or straighten the knee.

According to reports, the instance occurs when a player lands their foot on the ground with a bent knee. The impact would then have either of two repercussions: a partial tear or a complete rupture. A partial tear recovery process will involve immobilization in braces, followed up by rehab to regain control. However, with complete rapture, a surgical intervention takes precedence followed by immobilization. 

While it wasn’t revealed which one Prince Tega Wanogho suffered, the former would be likely since reports state that the former Auburn offensive tackle had been on practice grounds off late. However, the persistent challenge has let the Kansas City Chiefs miss out on a crucial presence on their offensive lines. 

Prince Tega Wanogh for the Chiefs

The 26-year-old offensive tackle joined the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad back in January 2021 to be elevated in October of the same year. The opportunity allowed him to secure a Super Bowl win to his name when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles. That season, Prince Tega Wanogh appeared in every game, watching the team clinch a 2nd win in the last four seasons. 

Also Read: What are the Kansas City Chiefs’ Lowest & Highest Scores in Super Bowl History

As he continued onto the 2023 season, Tega Wanogho played the first three games, securing 14 total snaps and seven special-team plays. Despite his rule out, the offensive lineman would become only the third active Auburn alumni with multiple Super Bowl victories with a win.

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