Chiefs rumors: Chris Jones returns to practice for Kansas City

Chris Jones returned to practice today for the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning their fans (and defensive coordinator) can breathe easier.

The Kansas City Chiefs removed defensive tackle Chris Jones off the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list this morning, meaning that the Chiefs medical/training staff has at least cleared him to start rehabbing his knee after offseason surgery. After a short stint on the field in pads, he returned to the trainer’s tent during Sunday’s practice.

Although no time table was given for his full return, it’s a good sign having Jones back in practice. Andy Reid, the team’s head coach, predicted as much when he first announced the injury, saying that he was optimistic that Jones would be fine for the regular season. Still, there’s cause for concern in terms of his timeline, since Jones himself could not (or would not) say when exactly he would be back to full strength.

The Chiefs will definitely miss Jones up front throughout the preseason (and certainly the regular season if it takes that long) considering the loss of Dontari Poe in free agency to the Atlanta Falcons and the release of veteran lineman Jaye Howard, who signed with the Chicago Bears. Jones has the highest ceiling of any defensive lineman on the team, and he’s being heavily counted on for impact along the defensive front. Without Jones, the front’s ability to free up linebackers takes a major hit.

Jones was the Chiefs second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and had 28 total tackles last year for K.C., including 2 sacks and 4 passes defended.