Chiefs Get Big Update on Chris Jones’ Surprise Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs were missing one of the key defensive playmakers at Sunday’s training camp practice, as Chris Jones was seen without a helmet and not participating in drills. The star defensive lineman was reportedly sidelined by a groin injury, which allowed Chiefs fans to take a huge sigh of relief.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid wasn’t overly concerned by Jones’ strain, which is always a good sign this early in training camp. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero echoed the same sentiment, reporting that the veteran defensive tackle’s injury is not believed to be serious.

Anytime you have a groin strain or soft tissue injury, the best approach isn’t to rush back and allow the injury to heal. 

The Chiefs will likely take that approach with Jones as he’s a key part of their defense and could be the difference-maker in their pursuit of a third-straight title. With Jones sidelined on Sunday, Tershawn Wharton received first-team reps on the defensive line.

Kansas City has big plans for its defense this season once again after the performance they put in the postseason. Even though the Chiefs don’t have L’Jarius Sneed anymore, they still have one of the best defenses in the league led by Jones.

Last season, Jones posted 30 combined tackles, 29 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four pass deflections. After putting up his second-straight double-digit sack season, the Chiefs rewarded Jones with a massive five-year, $158.75 million contract extension.

Therefore, knowing that Jones signed a huge five-year extension and his role on the defense, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him miss a couple of weeks until Kansas City opens the preseason on Aug. 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

More Chiefs news and analysis: