Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Denver Broncos in Week 1. With excitement brewing due to Patrick Mahomes returning at quarterback, a dark cloud hangs over the franchise with the latest injury report released by the team.
Veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones popped up on the club's latest injury report, according to Chiefs senior reporter Matt McMullen. The 32-year-old was listed as a limited participant in Friday's practice.
Because the Week 1 contest against the Broncos isn't until Monday, the Chiefs have until 4 p.m. EST to reveal the final designation report that shares the official status for each player on the injury report. The glimmer of hope for Jones is that he was a limited participant in Friday's practice. But nobody will know his status for sure until Saturday evening.
If the former second-round pick is unable to play, the Chiefs would likely rely on 2026 first-round pick Peter Woods. While Jones is the likely starter in Kansas City for the time being (when he's healthy), the front office did select his future replacement in this year's draft.
Chris Jones is entering his 11th season in the NFL. He's been a consistent force in the Chiefs' interior defensive line throughout most of his career. The seven-time Pro Bowler played all 17 games for Kansas City last year and finished the campaign with 29 combined tackles (15 solo), seven sacks, and two pass deflections.
The Chiefs will begin the new season with a Week 1 matchup in front of the home crowd. Kansas City will kick off against the Broncos at 8:15 p.m. EST on Monday, September 14.