The Broncos may catch the Chiefs at a useful moment in Week 1, and the latest name on Kansas City’s injury report is a big one.
Chris Jones is dealing with a bad back, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. He missed practice because of the issue, and Andy Reid said at a press conference, via multiple reporters, that the team believes he’ll be “alright” moving forward.
That’s still a problem worth watching for Kansas City. Jones is one of the most important pieces in the Chiefs defense, especially when it comes to pressuring the quarterback.
He played every game last season and put up 29 tackles, seven sacks and 25 quarterback hits. If he’s limited or unavailable, that would give Bo Nix a better path, particularly on the rollout throws he likes to use.
Jones isn’t the only Chiefs player dealing with a back issue. Josh Simmons has been out for more than a week with one of his own, and Reid brushed that off as well, saying they would both be back for Week 1.
For now, though, that remains uncertain. Reid has a reputation for running one of the hardest training camps in the league, and this summer has already produced a long list of Kansas City injuries. The Chiefs were also without left guard Kingsley Suamataia in practice after he left early with an injury.
The full picture is hard to sort out this late in preseason and camp, but the Chiefs have been beat up all summer. Cornerback Mansoor Delane dealt with a shoulder injury during OTAs that carried into minicamp, though he did get back on the field in time for a preseason cameo that showed his talent.
The issues haven’t stopped there. Rashee Rice is coming off knee surgery, Xavier Worthy tweaked his shoulder, and that’s the same kind of injury that kept him out for a good chunk of last season. New running back Kenneth Walker III also hurt his foot in the final week of practice and had to be shut down.
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Sean Payton Sends Clear Message After Latest Bo Nix Snub
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For the Broncos, the bigger point is what Nix has already done since arriving as the sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Payton pointed to his role in helping Denver reach the playoffs in both seasons and said the long view will matter most, since history and results are what ultimately shape a quarterbacks legacy. [Read more 🡒]