The Broncos enter Week 1 in good shape, but Friday’s injury report in Kansas City gave them a fresh name to watch: Chris Jones.
Denver’s practice report stayed steady from Thursday to Friday, with wide receiver/returner Marvin Mims Jr. still listed as a full participant while dealing with a foot injury. The Chiefs, though, added one more player to their report, going from 10 names on Thursday to 11 on Friday.
Jones is the biggest change. The veteran defensive lineman was limited in Friday’s practice, a sudden development for one of Kansas City’s most important defenders. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler who has been in the league since 2016, and he started all 17 games for the Chiefs last season.
Practice injuries happen, and the report doesn’t say how Jones got hurt. What it does say is that he was limited, and that’s enough to put him on the radar heading into Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
Even so, it would be a surprise if Jones didn’t suit up. The extra day before a Monday night game gives him more time to rest than he’d have if this matchup were on Sunday, and that matters.
When Jones is right, he changes games. He can wreck a pocket from the inside and shut down the run, which is why Denver would be wise not to poke that bear too much, even if he’s less than 100 percent.
There are other Chiefs injury situations worth tracking, too. Simmons and Conner did not practice again on Friday, and both are starters. Conner is an important part of the Chiefs’ secondary, while Simmons is the blindside protector for Patrick Mahomes, who is set to make his first start on Monday night since suffering a multi-ligament knee injury in late December.
That also sets up an interesting matchup on the Broncos’ side. Nik Bonitto lines up against that part of the field, and if Simmons can’t play, Kansas City is poised to start Khalil Benson - an undrafted rookie - at left tackle.
Saturday’s final practice report should tell the story a little more clearly. In NFL injury tracking, the last day of the week often reveals the direction a player is trending.
If Conner or Simmons move up to limited on Saturday, that could point toward them being available. If Jones goes from limited to full, that would be a strong sign he’s ready for Monday night.
Even if he stays limited, though, the Chiefs could still have him in the lineup.
For now, Jones is the big one to monitor as Broncos-Chiefs heads toward kickoff.
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