Chiefs hint at pessimistic outlook for Chris Jones’ availability vs. Lions

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener is less than a week away, there is still no clarity, answers, or transparency on the team’s contract negotiations with Chris Jones.

It looks more and more unlikely that Jones will be playing in the season opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

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Andy Reid did not mince words when asked if Jones would play in week one.

“I can’t tell you that [if Jones will play against the Lions],” Reid said. “I don’t know what his agenda is or when he’s coming or not coming. But we’re rolling right now. I haven’t put much into it.”

Mahomes echoed the same message that his head coach explained to the media on Sunday.

“At this point, you just kind of prepare to play the game with the guys that are in the building and let the front office handle that,” Mahomes said. “We’ve got a tough test with the Detroit Lions and we’re going to focus on how we can win with the guys here.”

It is a next-man-up mentality, and that is exactly how pass rusher George Karlaftis described the situation.

“It’s always been a next man up mentality – that’s how it’s been – if Chris [Jones] was here and he got hurt, it would be the same situation,” Karlaftis said. “You always prepare with what you got. That’s all we’ve had this offseason, and that’s how we are going to approach the game – whoever is here, that’s all we need to win.”

It’s a clear message from those within the organization – the team is preparing to be without Jones for the season opener – possibly an extended absence from the 29-year-old defensive tackle.

It was reported on Saturday by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, that the Chiefs had offered a three-year, $74 million deal with $70 million guaranteed. Clearly, that was not good enough to get Jones back in the building before the season opener.