Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs' expectation for Chris Jones in Week 1 revealed

The Kansas City Chiefs and Chris Jones haven't appeared to even be taking baby steps in the direction of finalizing a new contract extension for the All-Pro defensive tackle. 

And with Week 1 against the Detroit Lions drawing near, his status appears on the outside to be looking more unlikely than likely in terms of whether he suits up or not.

Apparently, that same sentiment may stand true within the Chiefs organization as well. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, after Jones stated that he's willing to sit out games on social media amid this contract holdout, the team is preparing for that to be the case. 

As Russini stated, the Chiefs are "game-planning as if he won't" play on Thursday in the season opener.

Jones has stated on social media he is willing to sit out games. I’m told the team has been game-planning as if he won’t be at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday for the NFL’s season-opening game. Jones is looking for a contract that will pay him around $30M annually, as his current contract’s average-per-year value is $20M. One team source shared, “We haven’t made any progress over a few days.”

It goes without saying that this would be a tough blow to the Chiefs, as the 2022 First Team All-Pro is coming off a stellar season. In 2022, Jones posted a career-high in combined tackles while tying his single-season best in sacks (15.5) and quarterback hits (29) and racking up his second-highest single-season tackles for loss total with 17.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule
LeBron James shouts out Jaylen Brown after Celtics advance to NBA Finals
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis
Bengals coach offers significant injury update on QB Joe Burrow
MLB officials expect automated ball-strike system to be implemented in 2026

Want more Chiefs news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.