Chris Jones joins Josh Gordon in KC Chiefs COVID protocol
By Matt Conner
Defensive tackle Chris Jones has officially joined Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Josh Gordon on the team’s COVID protocols on Tuesday, just two days before the franchise is set for an AFC West showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers in primetime on Thursday Night Football to open NFL’s Week 15.
The news comes on the heels of Gordon’s own positive COVID test from Monday that shows the spread of the coronavirus is reaching far and wide these days in sporting circles.
The Chiefs and Chargers are set to meet on Thursday night but both teams are dealing with missing players due to COVID. Just last week, the Chargers saw wide receiver Keenan Allen go on the list and then placed left tackle Rashawn Slater on the same list on Monday as well—same day as Gordon. The Chargers might be without both players on Thursday, which means significant talent could be missing on both sides.
Chris Jones is in COVID-19 protocols for the Chiefs.
This is nothing unique to either the Chiefs or Chargers. At this stage, every NFL team is dealing with players who’ve contracted the coronavirus and it’s all about limiting the damage at this point.
The 36 players who went on the COVID list today because of positive tests was the highest number since that list was created in 2020.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 13, 2021
In other sports, some games are being postponed or cancelled in the wake of so many players being sidelined with COVID. This is happening in both the NHL and NBA.
The potential loss of Gordon is much easier to handle than the potential loss of Jones, who is the team’s most talented defensive player overall. The dynamic defensive tackle is one of the league’s most effective disruptors up front with his ability to shed blocks, get into the backfield, and/or get his hands on the ball in passing lanes. If Jones cannot get out of COVID protocols, fans will likely see more of Derrick Nnadi and Turk Wharton next to Jarran Reed.