Kansas City Chiefs defensive line star Chris Jones won’t play vs. Texans. Kelce will
The Kansas City Chiefs won’t have defensive tackle Chris Jones for Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Jones, who entered the weekend listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report with a calf injury, will not play Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
The NFL Network first reported the news.
The Chiefs had Jones go through a pregame warmup under the watchful eye of training staff members. He was apparently deemed unready for action.
Without Jones, the Chiefs are likely to lean on Derrick Nnadi and rookie Khalen Saunders along the interior defensive line, with Xavier Williams and Mike Pennel serving as backups. Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon can shift from outside to inside as necessary.
Jones also sat out the Chiefs’ game against the Texans at Arrowhead in October, which Kansas City lost to Houston.
While the Chiefs are down a big star on defense, they will have tight end Travis Kelce available and ready. Kelce, whom Chiefs coach Andy Reid said was dealing with a bone bruise, was limited in practice during the past week and entered the weekend as questionable.
Kansas City listed cornerback Morris Claiborne, quarterback Chad Henne, offensive lineman Jackson Barton, offensive lineman Andrew Wylie, offensive lineman Ryan Hunter and linebacker Darron Lee as inactive.
Claiborne hasn’t played since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 13 against the Oakland Raiders. He was excused from practice for personal reasons the past week.
With Wylie not playing, the Chiefs are likely to turn to Stefen Wisniewski, who started at left guard in place of Wylie in the Chiefs’ regular-season finale.
Houston receiver Will Fuller is active (groin injury). He missed the Texans’ playoff win over Buffalo last weekend and had played in just 11 games this season.
Houston’s list of inactive players Sunday includes safety Jahleel Addae and receiver Steven Mitchell Jr., among others.
This story was originally published January 12, 2020 at 12:36 PM.
