The Kansas City Chiefs will almost certainly face the Detroit Lions in Week 1 without their most impactful defensive player. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is still holding out in a contract dispute.
Jones has been seeking a new contract from the Super Bowl champs but the two sides remain far apart from an agreement, according to multiple reports. That includes a timely one from Ian Rapoport on Sunday afternoon that casts serious doubt about Jones’ availability for Thursday’s game in Kansas City.
Buy Lions Tickets#Chiefs star DT Chris Jones, who is still holding out, isn’t present and won’t be at today’s practice — considered a Wednesday practice of game week — with the two sides not close on a deal, sources say.
KC opens the season Thursday against the #Lions.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2023
Jones, 29, is coming off one of the best seasons by an interior lineman in NFL history. He recorded 15.5 sacks, 17 TFLs, four passes defended and two forced fumbles in making 1st-team All-Pro. Jones finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Chiefs would face the Lions’ impressive offense with Derrick Nnadi, Neil Farrell and rookie Keondre Coburn trying to fill Jones’ shoes. Kansas City still boasts a formidable secondary and solid LB corps, but Jones was the catalyst for their success in 2022.
