DETROIT – NOTE: The live updates for Tuesday have ended. Click here to follow Wednesday’s live updates for both Chris Jones and Travis Kelce.
The first game of the NFL season is just days away, and it’s still unclear if Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones will play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions.
Jones is the best defensive player on the Chiefs roster and one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the world. He finished last season with 15.5 sacks and made his fourth Pro Bowl.
READ: Chiefs star Travis Kelce injures knee at practice; status uncertain against Detroit Lions
Detroit expects to have a strong offensive line and rushing attack again this season, but if they don’t have to deal with Jones, it would be a big Week 1 break.
Here’s what we know about the situation as the click ticks toward game time:
Jones, Chiefs still do not have deal
- 12:12 p.m. Tuesday
Ian Rapoport, of NFL Network, reported Tuesday afternoon that the Chiefs and Jones “still do not have a deal.”
Russini: Contract extension ‘on table’
- 10 a.m. Tuesday
Dianna Russini, of The Athletic, reported Tuesday morning that Jones is one of four players who have contract extensions “on the table.”
The other three players she mentioned are Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Nick Bosa.
Russini said all four could sign “record” deals.
Report: Jones ‘unlikely’ to play against Lions
- Monday evening
Rapoport reported on Monday evening that it’s “unlikely” Jones will play Thursday against the Lions.
“Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs simply do not have a deal, and until there is some significant breakthrough, then do not expect him on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs,” Rapoport said.
He said it’s “a little farfetched” to think Jones could play even if he and the Chiefs reached a deal at this point.
“Would he really be on the field without having practiced at all?” Rapoport asked.
Jones misses Monday’s practice
- Monday
Jones placed on Reserve/Did Not Report list
- Tuesday
The Chiefs placed Jones on the Reserve/Did Not Report list on Tuesday, which suggests the two sides are not close to reaching a deal before Thursday night.
Florio explains contract situation
- Monday morning
Mike Florio, of NBC’s Pro Football Talk, explained in length how the contract Jones wants from the Chiefs aligns with the “extension” the Los Angeles Rams paid Aaron Donald.
He said Jones is asking for $84 million over the next three years, which would average out to $28 million. Donald received $95 million over three seasons from the Rams.
Click here to read the full breakdown.
Mahomes prepared to play without Jones
- Monday morning
Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is prepared to play the Lions game without Jones on the field, according to NFL.com.
“At this point, you kind of just prepare to play the game with the guys who are in the building and let the front office handle that,” Mahomes said during a Sunday news conference. “We’ve got a tough test with the Detroit Lions, and we’re going to focus on how we can win with the guys who are here.”
Head coach doesn’t close door on Jones playing
- Sunday evening
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told NBC’s Pro Football Talk on Sunday that it’s still possible Jones could play against the Lions.
“You’re never sure how it’s going to work out,” Reid told the Associated Press. “You deal with too many people in this type of thing.”
Mike Florio ended the report by saying, “Unlike an injury, however, the thing keeping Jones away could go away at any given moment.”
Jones misses Sunday practice
- Sunday
Jones didn’t practice with the Chiefs on Sunday, which is a bigger deal than most weeks since the team is playing on Thursday night.
During the afternoon, Jones tweeted, “I’m more motivated than ever!”
I'm more motivated than ever!
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) September 3, 2023
GM ‘hopeful’ Jones will play vs. Lions
- Aug. 30
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was asked last week about Jones’ holdout and only said that he’s “certainly hopeful” the star defensive tackle will be on the field Week 1, according to James Palmer.
Jones holding out for contract
- This offseason
Jones began a holdout this offseason in hopes to agreeing to a new contract with the Chiefs. He’s entering the final season of his previous deal and is set to make $20 million.
Reports suggest Jones wants $25-$30 million per year. As possibly the best defensive tackle in the league, this would pay Jones more along the lines of other top interior defenders.
