The Athletic has live coverage of Chiefs vs Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, and Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) is active for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX after being activated from injured reserve Saturday.
Graham is poised to return to the field 77 days after tearing his tricep in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams. Graham returns early — two months and two weeks into what was a four-month timeline. He told reporters he understood the risk he’d be taking of a potential re-tear. It’s possible that today will be Graham’s final game with the Eagles.
Graham, 36, is a 15-year veteran and 2010 first-round pick — one of the most tenured and most respected voices in the locker room. This is his third Super Bowl. He helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII with a critical strip-sack of Tom Brady.
The Eagles inactives for the game are defensive end Bryce Huff, quarterback Tanner McKee (designated as the third QB), cornerback Eli Ricks, defensive back Lewis Cine, offensive tackle/guard Darian Kinnard, offensive guard Trevor Keegan and wide receiver Ainias Smith.
Graham’s return required another player to be sidelined. It’s significant that Huff was listed inactive. Huff was one of the major signings of the offseason. General manager Howie Roseman awarded Huff $34 million guaranteed within a three-year, $51.1 million contract. Huff recorded 2 1/2 sacks in 12 regular season games and was briefly sidelined midseason on injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery.
Roseman said last week that he believes “the story is yet to be written” on Huff, but Huff’s story won’t include a Super Bowl LIX appearance. Huff only recorded 13 defensive snaps in three playoff games. He did not record a sack or tackle for loss in any of those games.
For the Chiefs, cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Keith Taylor, defensive ends Josh Uche and Malik Herring, and offensive linemen C.J. Hanson, Wanya Morris and Ethan Driskell are inactive.
Super Bowl LIX will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
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(Photo: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
