Chiefs get concerning injury news on Chris Jones days before Broncos game
The Kansas City Chiefs kick off their 2026 season with a thriller — a primetime showdown against AFC West rival Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football.” It’s shaping up to be a gritty game between two of the conference’s best, and a great way to close out Week 1. The Chiefs are currently listed as narrow 2.5-point favorites, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium.
Unfortunately, Kansas City might have to do it without its best defensive player, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones popped up on Friday’s injury report with a calf injury, limiting his participation in practice.
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Jones is entering his 11th NFL season and already has seven Pro Bowl selections, six All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl titles with the Chiefs. If there’s any player who could sit out and still find a way to make an impact, it’s him.
Even in a relative “down” year last season, he still notched 29 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits, and seven sacks, starting all 17 games. That’s still plenty for a 32-year-old veteran whose legacy is already firmly cemented.
Still, an impact player like Jones showing up this late on the injury report is a concerning sight for a team looking to bounce back this season.
Kansas City will want to get off to a fast start with Patrick Mahomes back in the fold, and a home opener against the Broncos in primetime would be an electric way to do it. But if Jones can’t go, that leaves a significant hole in the middle of the defensive line — and against an improved Denver offense, that could spell trouble.
All eyes will be on the final injury report, which should bring more clarity on Jones’ status for Week 1.
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