Chiefs place star DE Chris Jones on COVID-19 list

It’s unknown if Jones will play this week against the Panthers

The Chiefs, along with several other teams, closed their facility on Thursday due to at least one positive COVD-19 test. In relation to that news, Jones has been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list after contracting or coming in close contact with the virus. For privacy reasons, it’s not known for sure whether or not Jones has the virus.

Jones can be activated off of the list before Sunday’s game against Carolina assuming he tests negative twice. That’s not all, though. If the NFL deems Jones high-risk, then he cannot be taken off the list until at least five days after he was originally placed on it. This would eliminate any chance of him playing against the Panthers.

If Jones can’t play, how will it impact the Chiefs defense?

Jones is the best pass-rusher on the Chiefs and among the best in the NFL. Without him in tow, Kansas City’s defensive line will suffer, and perhaps their secondary exposed with it. Even with the likes of Tyrann Mathieu on the back end, a good secondary cannot make much of an impact without a solid pass rush to impact a quarterback’s timing.

Thankfully for the Chiefs, they’re not exactly facing a top-notch passing game in Teddy Bridgewater and the Falcons. Because of this, they’ll still be favored to beat the Panthers by a solid margin on Sunday if Jones can’t go.

Such is the benefit of having such a deep and stable team. The Chiefs are Super Bowl favorites for a reason, but for Jones sake we hope his trip to the COVID-19 list is a quick one.