Chiefs Announce Brutal Chris Jones Injury Update Ahead of Christmas Day Game vs. Steelers

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a hard-fought win at home against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Now, the Chiefs will have a quick turnaround as they will play on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers are reeling, dropping two consecutive games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Ravens. Kansas City has played well on the road this season (6-1), but Pittsburgh has held its own at home (5-1), making this a tough matchup for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs hope to have one of their best defensive players for Wednesday’s game, but he might not suit up on Christmas.

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Kansas City listed star defensive tackle Chris Jones and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor as questionable for the Christmas matinee matchup in the Steel City.

Jones reportedly strained his calf in the Chiefs’ Week 16 win over the Houston Texans. The 30-year-old defender suffered the injury in the fourth quarter but limped off the field under his own power.

Given the short turnaround time, Jones being listed as questionable on the final injury report isn’t shocking. If the five-time Pro Bowler cannot play on Christmas, the Chiefs could give more snaps to Mike Pennel Jr., Derek Nnadi, and Marlon Tuipulotu.

The 33-year-old Pennel played well against the Texans, recording four total tackles, a sack, and a stuff. The Steelers’ rushing attack is posting 126 yards per game this season (3.9 yards per carry), so it will be imperative for the Chiefs’ defensive line to win at the line of scrimmage.

This season, Jones doesn’t have as many sacks (five) but has found other ways to impact the game. The star defensive lineman has posted 38 quarterback pressures. 20 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss. Since he hasn’t been ruled out for tomorrow, we will see how Jones does during pregame warm-ups.

More Chiefs news and analysis: