THE Kansas City Chiefs will be without two important players for their Christmas Day match against Pittsburgh Steelers. Kansas City ruled out left tackle DJ Humphries in his final injury report, while defensive tackle Chris Jonesofficially listed as questionable with a calf injury, is also inactive.
Humphries has played in just one of five games since signing with Kansas City last month. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t practiced at all since Week 14. In his absence, the Chiefs are at risk of dropping the star guard again. Joe Thuney towards the left tackle, with Mike Caliendo taking his place at left guard.
Jones, meanwhile, suffered his injury late in the Chiefs’ win over the Texans last Saturday. He missed much of the fourth quarter and did not return, then was listed as DNP (had one-time practice) in Sunday’s estimated injury report before also sitting out of practice. Monday. The short week made it difficult for Jones to be ready to compete in the Week 16 game.
Jones’ absence means more snaps for players like Charles Omenihu, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, Tershawn Wharton And Felix Anudike-Uzomah against the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s group up front has been better inside than on the edges, and Jones is able to move freely between the defensive tackle and defensive end roles, so his presence would be missed.
The Chiefs have been buoyed by their defense for much of this season, although the offense got a boost last week with the return of Hollywood Brown. No, Jones will put a little more pressure on Patrick Mahomes and Co. to regain some of the explosiveness they showed in previous seasons.