Latest Injury Update on Chris Jones is Bad News for the Chiefs
By Karl Rasmussen
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again one win away from the Super Bowl, but the team's path to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy has hit a snag of late due to an injury to a key member of the defense.
Star defensive lineman Chris Jones has been nursing a calf injury, which forced him to miss practice on Thursday after removing himself from consideration just prior to kickoff last Sunday, per ESPN's Ed Werder.
#Chiefs DT Chris Jones again misses practice with calf injury. While Andy Reid described him as improving, I’m told he’s a 50/50 proposition to play Sunday. Coaches consider him their most disruptive defensive lineman _ run and pass. Capable of creating negative plays.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 16, 2020
Head coach Andy Reid said Jones is improving, and Werder reports that the DT has about a 50-50 shot at taking the field come Sunday. Jones did not play in the Divisional Round clash against the Houston Texans, though KC was able to shrug off Deshaun Watson and Co. on the back of a sensational offensive performance from Patrick Mahomes.
With a matchup against the formidable Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans looming, Jones' absence would be a huge blow for this Chiefs defense. He's not only their top pass rusher, but he's also one of their best run defenders, something they'll need if they want to tame Henry.
Passing along some Chris Jones injury information.
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) January 15, 2020
Was told he likely won’t do much, if anything, at practice this week. “and then we will see where he’s at on Saturday”. Followed up with if Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl, he should be fine. @610SportsKC @ArrowheadPride
In 2019, Jones played in 13 games, recording nine sacks, 36 tackles, 20 QB hits and eight tackles for loss. If he's unable to suit up, expect to see Mike Pennel and Khalen Saunders to fill the void at DT.