The Kansas City Chiefs hit the practice field Wednesday without a massive piece of their defense: superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones sat out practice dealing with a back injury, a fact that surely had Chiefs fans holding their breath. Good news though: head coach Andy Reid told reporters the team believes he’ll be “alright” moving forward, which is a huge relief with Week 1 right around the corner.
Why Chris Jones Missing Practice Matters
Jones isn’t just any player; he’s a game-wrecker. Last season, the guy started every single game for Kansas City, racking up 29 tackles, an impressive seven sacks, and a whopping 25 quarterback hits. That kind of production is hard to replace, and a back injury, especially for a big guy in the trenches, can be sneaky. The thought of him missing any time, let alone the season opener, is enough to make any contender’s fans nervous. But getting the all-clear from Coach Reid about Week 1? That’s a bullet dodged.
Other Names on the Sideline
It wasn’t just Jones hitting the sidelines, though his absence was definitely the headliner. Left guard Kingsley Suamataia also left practice early, reportedly battling an illness. And left tackle Josh Simmons, who’s been dealing with a back injury of his own, didn’t even participate. It’s early in the season, and teams are always trying to get healthy for the marathon ahead. Still, you want your key guys out there building chemistry, especially on the offensive line.
The Chiefs are now focused on getting everyone healthy and ready to roll for Week 1. While the scare with Chris Jones was real, it sounds like he’ll be good to go. That’s a major win for their defense and a huge sigh of relief for the reigning champs as they look to start the season strong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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