Patrick Mahomes couldn’t have asked for a more demanding welcome back to the NFL. After missing the entire preseason while recovering from the knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign, the quarterback is preparing to face the same Denver Broncos defense that terrorized opposing quarterbacks a year ago. The Broncos piled up a league-high 68 sacks in 2025, making Kansas City’s margin for error particularly thin in Mahomes’ first competitive game back.

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ defense, on the other hand, enters the opener with plenty to prove after undergoing a significant makeover in the secondary. The Chiefs moved on from Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Brian Cook, leaving a largely rebuilt defensive backfield to deal with a Denver passing attack that added Jaylen Waddle this offseason.

With even less room for the secondary to compensate for mistakes up front, Kansas City will need its defensive line to make life uncomfortable for Bo Nix. That, however, doesn’t seem to be the case, as the Chiefs vs. Broncos Week 1 matchup is almost here. Per reports, Kansas City’s defensive anchor, Chris Jones, is dealing with a calf injury.

“Chris Jones has a new calf injury,” Denver Broncos beat reporter Zac Stevens wrote on X. “He was limited in practice today. Could be very significant.”

The calf problem was unexpected because Jones was not listed on the injury report Thursday. He was a full participant before being limited on Friday. The Chiefs have another practice Saturday before revealing their final game status.

But at the same time, losing Jones could be a major problem for the Chiefs because the Broncos has several players who can make them pay. Bo Nix had a strong 2025 season, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while also adding 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Courtland Sutton was another key weapon, catching 74 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns. Earlier this offseason, Denver also bolstered their receiving corps, adding Jaylen Waddle, who finished the 2025 season with 64 receptions for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns.

While Jones’ absence wouldn’t directly affect Mahomes’ protection, it could have a significant impact on the game script. Without Kansas City’s defensive anchor, Denver could have an easier time sustaining drives, potentially forcing Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to carry a heavier burden in his first game back.

Chris Jones anchored the Chiefs’ pass rush in the 2025 season with 7 sacks, two pass deflections, and 15 tackles for loss. At the same time, the veteran amassed 63 pressures in 17 games, ranking third among all interior defensive linemen. He also had 25 quarterback hits, leading the team in 2025.

The veteran defensive tackle has made seven Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro teams. He has also recorded 87.5 sacks during his first 10 NFL seasons.

Jones has not had a long history of major injuries. One notable issue came in 2019, when he suffered a groin injury during practice before the AFC Championship Game. He also dealt with a minor calf problem around that time, but neither issue stopped him from playing in the game.

In short, Jones is important for Mahomes and the Chiefs overall. After all, he is not just a good player but a good leader too. In October 2025, defensive line coach Joe Cullen praised Jones’ leadership:

“He’s developed into a great leader,” Cullen said. “In the meeting rooms, he’s explaining to guys things I may be [going over], saying, ‘Hey Coach, can I give a point here?’ After practice, he’s working with the guys and coaching them up.”

Meanwhile, Denver is entering the game in much better health. Marvin Mims Jr. is the only Broncos player listed on the injury report for a second straight day, and he was estimated to be a full participant.

But Jones is not the only Chief facing injury concerns heading into Denver.

Another major setback for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs could also be without left tackle Josh Simmons in the same Week 1 matchup. He is dealing with a back injury for over a week now. If he cannot make it to the game, rookie Kahlil Benson, who had no snaps at left tackle in his four-year college career, could step in and start at left tackle.

Simmons’ absence can be a major issue, as Denver’s defense is solid. They recorded 68 sacks and ranked second in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 278.2 yards per game last year.

Denver also gave up only 18.3 points per game, which shows how difficult it was to score against them.

Kansas City has had plenty of changes at left tackle in recent years. After Orlando Brown Jr. left following the 2022 season, the Chiefs tried Donovan Smith, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, D.J. Humphries, and Joe Thuney at the position. In 2024 alone, the Chiefs had four different starting left tackles. Players like Esa Pole (who was recently cut by the Chiefs) and Kahlil Benson have also taken reps there.

Now, the Chiefs may have to deal with another change if Josh Simmons cannot play. Their offensive line will need to protect Patrick Mahomes, as he was sacked 34 times last year, while the running game can help slow down Denver’s pass rush.

Now, it will be interesting to see how the team holds up against the Broncos if both of their solid players are not playing.