With a chance at locking up the AFC’s top spot, the Kansas City Chiefs will not have their top defender on the field.
Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones is officially inactive against the host Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning.
Jones injured his calf on Saturday in a win over the Houston Texans and drew a questionable designation coming into Wednesday. He’ll be unable to give it a go as K.C. aims to clinch the conference’s No. 1 seed with a win over Pittsburgh.
It's a major loss as Jones’ presence is invaluable at the center of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense with his game-wrecking ability and versatility to play anywhere on the line.
The five-time Pro Bowler has five sacks, 20 QB hits and 37 tackles so far this season.
The Chiefs (14-1) kick off against the Steelers (10-5) at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday on Netflix.