San Diego is on the brink. Not only are they locked in a must-win game, but their star quarterback is limping off to leave them with an untested backup QB and no timeouts. The Chiefs have everything riding on this game as well–one final chance for playoff validation before potentially clinching at home against Denver next week.
The Kansas City Chiefs are finally finding their groove after a slow start to the 2021 NFL season. Andy Reid’s team, on the other hand, has just suffered a major setback ahead of a crucial Thursday Night Football battle against the Los Angeles Chargers. Chris Jones tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), posing a threat to Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense.
COVID-19 was shown to be present in Chris Jones.
The Chiefs don’t feel Chris Jones (COVID) will be able to play against the Chargers, according to my sources.
Against the Chargers on TNF, they’ll be missing Jones, L’Jarius Sneed (NIR), and Willie Gay (COVID). pic.twitter.com/OLHOW5PHUk
December 15, 2021 — Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame)
After putting Chris Jones on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Kansas City Chiefs have started practicing without him.
Jones tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week, according to ESPN. Wide receiver Josh Gordon and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. have both been put on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Chiefs.
The positive test didn’t immediately knock Jones out of the Chargers’ Thursday Night Football matchup. Since he’s been vaccinated, he’s eligible to play if he’s symptom-free and gets two negative tests within 24 hours.
The Chiefs are not enthusiastic about the two-time Pro Bowler playing against the Rams, according to NFL insider Matt Verderame.
If Jones is unable to return, it will be a significant loss for a Kansas City defensive that is currently playing outstanding football. In 11 games thus far in 2021, he has 20 tackles, seven sacks, and five pass deflections.
The Chiefs must find a way to put pressure on Justin Herbert.
After the first half of the game against the Eagles, Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs leaves the field | Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images ; Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert celebrates his team’s victory against the Washington Redskins | Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Early in the 2021 season, opposing offenses had their way with the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense. In recent weeks, though, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit has turned a switch.
The Chiefs’ sixth-ranked defense will now face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in a high-stakes matchup.
Getting pressure on Justin Herbert is the most important aspect of beating the Chargers. In recent weeks, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year has been on a tear. The second-year quarterback has guided the Los Angeles Rams to consecutive wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants.
When Herbert gets the opportunity to throw, he has the ability to make a defense pay. While completing 67.1 percent of his passes, the Oregon graduate has passed for 3,822 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
In Jones’ absence, defensive end Frank Clark would have to step up and take charge of the pass rush. Clark has struggled at times this season, but Kansas City now more than ever needs him.
Chris Jones is also a force to be reckoned with in the run game. Chargers running back Austin Ekeler might have a field day if he is unable to play.
In the AFC West, Kansas City is attempting to hold off the Chargers.
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In the close AFC West battle, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers are separated by one game. The Week 15 clash might have a big impact on whether club finishes the season on top.
With a 9-4 record, Patrick Mahomes and company are presently in first position. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, are just behind them at 8-5.
In Week 3, LA defeated Kansas City 30-24 in the first meeting between the two clubs. This time, though, expect a different Chiefs squad.
Kansas City’s offense is far from ideal, but the defense has been playing really well recently.
Nonetheless, not having Chris Jones on the field would be a huge loss. Whether rushing the quarterback or jamming lanes to stop the run, Jones is one of the most dominating defensive lineman in sports.
Tyrann Mathieu, a veteran safety, recognizes the importance of Jones’ presence on the field for the Chiefs.
“When it comes to inside domination, the only player you can truly compare him to is Aaron Donald,” Mathieu told The Athletic. “Replacing him will be a major task for us.” But we’re in better shape. We’re able to cycle those players in and out up front. All of it will fall into place for us on Thursday.”
Even without Chris Jones, the Chiefs seem to be looking to make a big comeback against their AFC West opponents.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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