Chiefs will likely be short-handed when they play 49ers in the Super Bowl

(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be without three key players when they play the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney appeared to get into a dispute with Chiefs management about a hip injury that sidelined him for six games, going on Instagram to say he didn’t receive the proper injury designation for the AFC championship game at Baltimore on Jan. 28.

But he told NFL Network on Monday that his expletive-filled rant was aimed at a New York Giants fan and not the Chiefs and called his outburst a mistake.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn’t commit Tuesday to playing Toney, opening the way for a potential healthy scratch.

“We’ll see how that goes,” Reid said. “He’s been practicing, and we’ll see whether he’s up or not.”

Also, Reid wasn’t optimistic running back Jerick McKinnon or guard Joe Thuney would play.

McKinnon has been on injured reserve since Dec. 24 with a groin injury and hasn’t practiced.

“It’s slim for him to be out there,” Reid said.

Thuney didn’t play against the Ravens because of a pectoral injury.

“It’s strength and making sure that he’s in a position that he doesn’t get hurt worse than what he’s got,” Reid said. “We’ll see (whether Thuney practices). I think it’s a long shot.”