Status of Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones unknown heading into game at Pittsburgh
In addition to being one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles, Chris Jones also has been among the most durable. He’s missed just one game since 2021, sitting out the 2023 season opener in a contract dispute.
Will Jones miss the Chiefs’ next game, on Wednesday — Christmas Day — at the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Jones suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s home victory over the Houston Texans and on Monday missed his second practice of the week.
“We’ll just keep evaluating,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
Jones, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, played 44 of 59 snaps (75%) against the Texans. The nine-year veteran is logging 83% of the defensive snaps this season, a career high.
“He always wants to be out there,” KC defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “We don’t want to wear Chris out. We’ll be conscious of it and see where he is with the injury. But the reason he’s out there so much is we like having him on the field.”
Jones has five sacks and 16 quarterback hurries this year. He has the second best Pro Football Focus grade among defensive tackles this season.
Also not practicing Monday were defensive back Chamarri Conner and left tackle J.D. Humphries. Conner is working is way back from a concussion, while Humphries hurt a hamstring in his first game with the Chiefs (Week 14 against the Chargers).
Also missing snaps against the Texans was right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee strain). Wanya Morris, the former starting left tackle, played the final 20 snaps vs. Houston in place of Taylor.
“He came in and played well,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said of Morris. “I like where he’s at right now.”
Linebacker Jack Cochran was placed on injured reserve after suffering a left-ankle injury on kickoff coverage against the Texans. Tight end Peyton Hendershot has returned to the KC roster.
This story was originally published December 23, 2024 at 2:45 PM.