The injury itself occurred late in the second quarter. Nick Bosa made a tackle through Allegretti’s arm, causing it to bend awkwardly. Allegretti heard, and felt, a pop in his elbow, causing pain to shoot through his arm.
The decision of whether to play the rest of the game or sit out for the sake of his health was a difficult one for Allegretti. He had been to, and won, Super Bowls with the Chiefs in the past, but he had never started in one. While the Chiefs have made a habit of at least competing for championships, Allegretti knew there was no guarantee he would make it back to one in his career, never mind playing a critical role.