The Kansas City Chiefs are having the best decade in the NFL, and a part of the credit goes to their mighty weapon Chris Jones. The recent drama surrounding the defensive tackle’s contract is raising eyebrows of fans, albeit Kansas City is still remaining poised ahead of the new season.
With the game less than a week away, Patrick Mahomes said players at the practice camp moved on while some players in the locker room revealed they are assuming as if Chris became unavailable due to injury. However, the Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid chooses to stay practical amid this intriguing situation.
Chiefs’ HC Andy Reid sends a last-minute message to Chris Jones
Mahomes’ squad is going to face off against the Detroit Lions in their regular season opening match on Thursday night. Despite facing a $50,000 fine for holding out training camp in a contract dispute, Jones failed to report to the team for the start of the regular season. Upon asking about the veteran’s presence against the Lions, Reid said he had no idea about it.
“I can’t tell you. I don’t know. I don’t know what his agenda is, whether he’s coming or not coming. We’re rolling right now, I haven’t put that much thought into that part.”
The HC was later asked if he thought the situation would turn into such a drama during the offseason, and he replied by saying he was too busy handling a 90-man roster and hadn’t had the opportunity to contemplate it.
“You’re never sure how it’s gonna work out. You deal with too many people on this type of thing. So these things can go either direction. Again, I don’t spend a lot of time on it. I’ve got 90 guys, or I had 90 guys, in the offseason that we need to make sure were going in the right direction. And then now we’re getting ready to play a game. You’re either here or not here. That’s how I go about it.”
While the team’s general manager Brett Veach revealed last week that communication with their All-Pro star’s representatives picked up, Andy was seemingly more optimistic about the potential of wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to start the regular season.
Chiefs’ HC Andy Reid on the pass rush without Chris Jones
Though the Chiefs offense has been a major concern ahead of the new season, their defense looks more promising in the presence of underrated players Willie Gay and Drue Tranquill. However, the team’s defensive tackle position, outside of Jones, looks scary. On top of that, Charles Omenihu will not play on Thursday as well.
Nevertheless, upon asking about the potential challenge of Kansas City on the pass rush in the absence of two veteran stars, Reid remained poised saying, “We’ll be alright. We’ve got good players so we’ll be alright.”
Detroit will clearly be the underdog while facing the Chiefs, albeit missing a DT who recorded a career-high with 15 1/2 sacks last season and led Kansas City to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl will undoubtedly fall heavy on Pat’s shoulder.
What’s your take on this development? Do you think that the Chiefs made a wrong move by pursuing Jones to play the match? Share your opinions in the comments.
