Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs picked up their 14th win of the season in Week 16. They are currently 14-1 in 2024 and their only loss is to Josh Allen and the Bills. In that win, Kansas City suffered injuries to two key starters. All-Pro DT Chris Jones went down with a calf injury in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Additionally, starting RT Jawaan Taylor suffered a knee injury in the third quarter. Like Jones, Taylor did not return to the game. Kansas City is in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. But they can’t afford to make a mistake in either of the final two games. Chris Jones and Jawaan Taylor are doubtful whether they will play in the Chiefs’ Christmas Day game, according to sources.
Chris Jones and Jawaan Taylor questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Steelers
that #Chiefs Listed stars DT Chris Jones and OT Jawaan Taylor as unavailable for tomorrow’s game. #Steelers. LT DJ Humphries is out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2024
In the second half of their 27-19 win over Texas in Week 16, the Chiefs lost two key starters to injuries. Two-time first-team All-Pro DT Chris Jones suffered a calf injury in the fourth quarter. Jones is in his ninth season in Kansas City and has started all 15 games in 2024. He had (5.0) sacks, 37 combined tackles, 20 QB hits and nine tackles for loss. If Jones can’t play Wednesday, it would give backup DTs Derrick Nnadi and Mike Pennel Jr. more minutes.
Jawaan Taylor has been listed as unavailable for Wednesday’s game with a knee injury. Taylor began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and played there for four seasons. Ahead of 2023, Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City. In six NFL seasons, Taylor has never missed a game. That streak will end on Wednesday if the 27-year-old is sidelined. Tackle DJ Humphries is out for Week 17 and Taylor is questionable. The Chiefs may be without both of their starting tackles against the Steelers. Non-ideal circumstances and tough Pittsburgh defense. Let’s see if Chris Jones and Jawaan Taylor can play on Christmas Day.
