The Kansas City Chiefs were dealt a blow on Christmas Day as standout defensive tackle Chris Jones is set to sit out Wednesday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a calf injury. Jones sustained the injury during Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans, exiting the field in the fourth quarter and not reentering the game. His absence was noticeable as he was designated as “DNP” in the practice participation report on Sunday and did not take part in Monday’s practice session. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid expressed concerns about Jones’ availability when queried about it just two hours prior to kickoff.
A key player on the team, Jones, a two-time All-Pro, has been a force to reckon with this season. He has amassed five sacks, pressured opposing quarterbacks 20 times, and forced a fumble, showcasing his significant impact on the Chiefs’ defensive unit. With the regular season winding down, Kansas City has the opportunity to secure the top seed in the AFC along with a coveted bye week in the Wild-Card round with a win in the upcoming game, or alternatively if the Buffalo Bills fall short in their Sunday matchup.