Chris

Jones

Jones was limited in practice throughout the week, though it was likely little more than maintenance for the NFL veteran. The Chiefs are also expected to have first-round rookie Mansoor Delane available for Sunday Night Football.

Chiefs CB Mansoor Delane (shoulder) is also questionable to play this week, though Chiefs coach Andy Reid said earlier this week “there’s a pretty good chance” Delane will suit up in Week 1. Jones remained limited all week. Delane logged two full sessions before downgrading to limited on Friday, which could indicate he suffered a setback. We will find out soon enough.

Jones was a midweek addition to the injury report ahead of Week 1, though he ultimately played through the knee issue. Despite being limited to roughly half of the snaps on defense, Jones still managed to make an impact by scooping up a Bo Nix fumble. A limited practice on Wednesday shouldn’t be too concerning for his odds of suiting up in Week 2.

Jones was officially limited today, which likely means he injured his calf in practice. Depending on the severity, this injury could cost him Week 1. He is one of the best interior defenders in the league. This one is worth watching.

Moving on from Jones would save the Chiefs $28.35 million in 2027 cap space, and while he’s still clearly an upper-echelon defensive tackle, the Chiefs did just draft Peter Woods in the first round. Jones managed just seven sacks last year and was left off the All-Pro teams for the first time since 2019. He’s entering his age-32 season in 2026.

Gillotte’s progress is notable for fantasy football D/ST purposes. The Chiefs’ defense totaled just 41 sacks last season, tying for 18th among NFL teams, with EDGE George Karlaftis (eight) and DT Chris Jones (six) accounting for 14. The unit lacked a reliable secondary EDGE rusher who could command offensive attention opposite Karlaftis. Should Gillotte meaningfully outperform incumbent EDGE Mike Danna and seize the starting role, his presence could help push the Chiefs’ D/ST unit into the D/ST1 tier.

The Chiefs also removed LT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) from their injury report after both were listed on the report to start the week. Despite being listed on the report, Jones and Humphries were full participants in practice all week long, meaning there’s little to no concern about their health heading into Saturday’s game against the Texans.

Jones sat out the final two weeks of the season after injuring his calf against the Texans on Christmas, but he looks primed to be ready to go for the rematch on Saturday. The Week 18 rest likely would have happened either way. Kansas City’s best pass rusher finished the year with five sacks in 15 games, but a 91.0 PFF pass rush grade and a team-high 53 hurries.

The Chiefs were hopeful that Jones may be able to go, but the calf injury and the short layoff made it impossible for the 30-year-old to go. There’s a good chance he’ll be able to play if Week 18 against the Broncos game if that contest has any significance. The Chiefs will miss Humphries for a third straight game, but Jawaan Taylor (knee) is active for the Christmas Day contest.

Jones got in a limited session on Tuesday, which was enough to get him on to the questionable line. His absence would be a big deal as he’s clearly Kansas City’s most-renowned pass rusher and draws a lot of attention away from his fellow rushers. Pittsburgh’s offense would greatly benefit if Jones sits this week.