Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones continued his holdout Sunday, making it obvious that he will miss Thursday night’s season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Jones continues to remain away while looking to secure a long-term contract.
He’s currently in the final year of an extension with the Chiefs set to pay him a $19.5 million base salary.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sounds resigned to opening the season without star defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said two weeks ago that he didn’t necessarily believe Jones’ holdout would result in the defensive tackle missing regular-season games, was asked about Jones’ situation on Sunday.
Mahomes said the Chiefs are preparing for Thursday night’s opener against the Lions as if the players currently in the locker room are the ones who will be on the field.
“At this point, you kind of just prepare to play the game with the guys that are in the building and let the front office and staff handle that,” Mahomes said.
“But we’ve got a tough test with the Detroit Lions, and we’re gonna try to focus on how we can win with the guys that are here.”
Jones has accrued roughly $2 million in fines by sitting out both mandatory minicamp and training camp.
He also risks forfeiting about $1.1 million for each regular-season game he misses.
Mahomes spoke openly in May about not being overly concerned with having the NFL’s top quarterback salary.
He said he was more worried about “legacy and winning rings” than making money and wanted to leave some funds available so great teammates could surround him.
On Sunday, when asked whether he expected other teammates to potentially take less money to stay a part of the Chiefs organization in an attempt to win more Super Bowl titles.
Mahomes said: “I know how special it is here. And I know how special of a thing we got going.”
“I stay out of contract stuff. But I know I’ve been lucky to be in this place, and I want to go out there and win as many championships as I can.”
Jones isn’t the only expected absence on the Chiefs’ defensive line.
KC will also be without defensive end Charles Omenihu. He is suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
If Jones isn’t there, winning a third championship will be harder for the Chiefs.
