Breathe easy, Kansas City Chiefs fans. Help is on the way. Both Chris Jones and Travis Kelce were absent in the team’s opener last Thursday. Their absences were felt in the form of a shocking Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions. But it’s not going to be a long-term thing. Jones and Kelce each appeared at Chiefs practice on Wednesday.
Aaron Ladd, who works in TV in Kansas City for KSHB-TV, was among those to report on their appearances. “Travis Kelce (knee) and Chris Jones back together on the Chiefs practice field today.”
Travis Kelce (knee) and Chris Jones back together on the #Chiefs practice field today @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/TdW6h3zZg4
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladdtv) September 13, 2023
Both Jones and Kelce didn’t participate in the team’s opener for completely different reasons. The Chiefs’ star tight end missed the game due to a knee injury that hampered him too much to clear him. Jones, meanwhile, itched for more money and was in a contract dispute with the team. That dispute ended earlier this week, with Jones getting adjustments made to his current deal. The Chiefs hoped Kelce would be good to go this week, and he was on track to play in Week 2. His appearance at practice Wednesday suggests that his timetable hasn’t been negatively altered, which is incredible news for Kansas City.
It’s a stirring development for the Chiefs, who looked troubled offensively in the opener. Receivers were dropping passes and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes couldn’t connect with many of them. It’s obvious that Kelce provides a huge impact and another dimension for this offense. When he returns, expect things to improve.
On the other end, Jones’ absence may have loomed even larger. Detroit got a lot of production on the ground and rarely succumbed to Chiefs pressure defensively. Jones is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL and could have created havoc if he was in the lineup.
Nevertheless, it seems like they won’t have to wait too long for Chris Jones and Travis Kelce to return to the Chiefs lineup.
