Tag: Chiefs

Clark Hunt provides update on Chris Jones extension talks

Where are the Chiefs at with Chris Jones in terms of contract negotiations?

The Kansas City Chiefs brass remains hopeful that the team will be able to extend the contract of defensive lineman Chris Jones.

Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2019 season. He joined the Chiefs as a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of Mississippi State University. Jones spent a portion of the 2019 offseason holding out in hopes of coming to an agreement with the team on a contract extension, but he ended his holdout before training camp and has played out this final season.

On Wednesday, Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt confirmed that the team is engaged in continuous discussions regarding an extension for Jones with his agents the Katz Brothers.

“There have been ongoing discussions with Chris’ representatives,” Hunt said. “As I mentioned in the preseason, we are very hopeful that we can extend Chris’ contract and bring him back to Kansas City for many years to come. He is obviously a fantastic player, a great guy in the locker room and we’re glad to have him a part of the Chiefs.”

The question remains whether both sides will be able to come to an agreement on an extension. The two sides didn’t appear to be close to an agreement ahead of the 2019 season. This was the statement released by his agents at the onset of training camp:

“He knows his value and if he has to play out his deal in order to reach free agency, then that’s what he will do. For now, he’s focused on winning a Super Bowl for Kansas City.”

Jones is only gaining leverage in contract negotiations as his role expands beyond simply playing the defensive tackle position. With an injury to defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, Jones will be tasked with playing more defensive end. Interior players tend to be valued less than those that can provide pressure off the edge.

“Yeah, it will be a little back and forth,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of Jones’ role on Friday. “He’ll probably end up playing both for us now.”

Jones has missed some time with a groin injury and his numbers are down from the 2018 season, where he set career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, pressures and sacks. The Chiefs haven’t seen a decline in his play in 2019. Hunt, in particular, has come away impressed with Jones.

“Absolutely, I think that he has played extremely well,” Hunt said. “He has transitioned to the new defensive scheme, I think, very well, and has been a part of the success that we have had in improving the defense.”

How Jones and the defense finish out the season in Kansas City is perhaps the most important factor in the Chiefs’ decision to retain Jones.

Report: Chiefs will have scout in attendance for Colin Kaepernick’s workout

A new report says the Kansas City Chiefs will have a scout in attendance for Colin Kaepernick’s workout.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be among the teams in attendance for former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta on Saturday, according to a new report.

The Chiefs weren’t originally listed among the 13 teams that had confirmed they would attend the workout as of Thursday. Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt did mention during his Wednesday press conference that he wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Brett Veach sent a scout for the workout.

Kansas City Star beat writers Herbie Teope and Vahe Gregorian confirmed that the Chiefs will, in fact, have a scout in attendance.

Kansas City isn’t in need of help at quarterback. They have three quarterbacks on the active roster: Patrick Mahomes, Matt Moore and Chad Henne. Plus they have Kyle Shurmur on the practice squad. It’d take a major injury or two for the Chiefs to consider adding Kaepernick.

It’s hard to see Kansas City as a team with a genuine interest in adding Kaepernick now or in the future, but there are other benefits to having a scout in attendance. Obviously, being diligent with any player that can make your team better is important. Attending as a professional courtesy to the league, which set up this unprecedented workout, is also a big factor here. At the same time, looking at players that your opponents might take interest in is also a useful tool.

Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016 season, during which he and then-teammate Eric Reid ignited a firestorm by kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. This year, Kaepernick and Reid settled collusion lawsuits against the league in which they alleged they were blackballed because of their protests.

Potential 2020 Chiefs draft prospects: Group 12

We take a look toward the 2020 NFL draft and some prospects for the Chiefs.

It’s Week 12 in college football and we have even more exciting prospects to watch.

I have identified over 200 prospects for the 2020 draft that I believe could be potential fits for the Kansas City Chiefs. I’ll be releasing mini scouting reports on these prospects in random groups of four up until the draft.

Check out the latest group of prospects down below:

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon OG Shane Lemieux

The Oregon Ducks sport one of the best offensive lines in college football this season. Shane Lemieux has been one of the standouts of the unit at the guard position, displaying toughness and athleticism currently unrivaled in the Pac 12.

Lemieux is on his way to his 48th consecutive start for the Ducks. He’s been extremely reliable in terms of availability and performance. At 6-feet-5 and 315 pounds, he has a frame that is already NFL-ready.

One of the better run blockers in the entirety of college football, Lemieux makes his money when he can get to linebackers at the second level. He can clear a rushing lane with the best of them in college football. He’s also shown some success as a pass blocker. Just last season, Lemieux allowed just 11 pressures in 500 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. So it’s not like Lemieux is a one-trick pony.

Currently, Lemieux is being criminally underrated in the pre-draft prospect rankings. Some team will likely be able to steal him in the middle rounds if his stock holds. The Kansas City Chiefs need to look into making some investments along the offensive line, especially now that they’ve found their franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes.

WATCH: Arizona at Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9:30 p.m. CT

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

A look at Draft Wire’s latest 3-round 2020 mock draft projections for Chiefs

A look at the new 3-round projections for the Kansas City Chiefs from Draft Wire.

There are just seven weeks left in the NFL’s regular season and with each passing day, we get closer to draft season. Draft Wire recently updated their 3-round mock draft projections for the 2020 NFL draft. They used the latest draft order to give us the most accurate look they can.

Below you’ll find a quick breakdown of each of their selections for the Chiefs:

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 Pick 23. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift

The first-round pick for the Chiefs remains unchanged in the latest updates projections for Draft Wire. Here’s a look at what Luke Easterling had to say about Swift ending up in Kansas City:

“There are bigger needs on defense, but in this scenario, the Chiefs have the opportunity to give Patrick Mahomes and an already explosive offense the top running back in a loaded class. Swift is a complete prospect who would be a big-play machine in this situation.”

I’ve been a rather vocal detractor of taking a running back in the first round of the 2020 draft, however, in recent weeks I am understanding why it’s often looked at as one of the big needs for this team. The Chiefs just don’t have the same confidence in their run game that they had in years prior. It’s impacting their ability to close out games and it seems like they could really use a go-to weapon at the position instead of their confusing committee approach.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Friday injury report for Chiefs vs. Chargers, Week 11

A look at the second injury report of the week for the Chiefs and Chargers.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers continue to prepare for their Week 11 matchup in Mexico City. There weren’t any major changes from Thursday’s injury report for either team.

Check out the full injury report for the Chiefs down below:

Player Injury Participation*
QB Patrick Mahomes Knee FP
DT Derrick Nnadi Elbow FP
DT Chris Jones Groin FP
CB Kendall Fuller Thumb FP
LT Eric Fisher Groin FP
LT Cam Erving Ankle FP
RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Ankle FP
DE Frank Clark Neck FP
WR Sammy Watkins Groin FP
RT Mitchell Schwartz Knee LP
TE Blake Bell Ankle DNP
DE Emmanuel Ogbah Pectoral DNP
DE Alex Okafor Ankle DNP
RB Damien Williams NIR DNP

* DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

Running back Damien Williams was excused from practice for personal reasons on Friday. Other than that the Chiefs’ injury report is status quo. That’s good news for LT Eric Fisher and RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.

With a second limited practice for Mitchell Schwartz, monitor his practice participation on Saturday. It could be the difference between a questionable and doubtful designation for the right tackle.

Here’s the full injury report for the Chargers:

Player Injury Participation*
LB Denzel Perryman Knee FP
DT Justin Jones Shoulder FP
OG Dan Feeney Shoulder FP
S Roderic Teamer Groin FP
DT Cortez Broughton Illness DNP
WR Geremy Davis Hamstring DNP
OT Russel Okung Groin DNP
OT Sam Tevi Knee DNP
RB Justin Jackson Calf DNP
LC Cole Mazza Illness LP
LB Thomas Davis NIR DNP
OT Trey Pipkins Toe FP

* DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

Safety Roderic Teamer was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Friday for the Chargers. That’s good news for his availability on Monday.

Thomas Davis and Trey Pipkins were both added to the report on Friday. Davis had an absence not related to injury, but Pipkins is dealing with a toe injury. Pipkins was a full participant in practice, but it’s something to watch as the Chargers are already dangerously thin at the offensive tackle position.

Check back tomorrow for the final injury report of the week complete with game status designations.

Lawrence Tynes recalls helmet-swinging fight in 2000s Chiefs practice

Thursday Night Football wasn’t the only time that a former Kansas City Chiefs player saw a helmet used as a weapon.

A former player for the Kansas City Chiefs claims that the Browns-Steelers fracas on Thursday night wasn’t the first time he saw a helmet used as a weapon.

Kicker Lawrence Tynes recalled a fight in practice between defensive tackle Junior Siavii and offensive tackle John Tait, and well, he got the story half-right. There was a fight, and it did involve John Tait and a helmet used as a weapon, but it happened in 2002, not 2004. Tynes was just in his second season with the Chiefs in 2002. He spent those first two seasons as a member of Kansas City’s practice squad before playing in NFL Europe and the CFL.

The folks at the Kansas City Star looked into their archives and found the story of a fight at Chiefs training camp back when they went to River Falls, Wisconsin.

Instead of Siavii, as Tynes recalled, the fight occurred between defensive lineman Eddie Freeman and Tait. The results were actually quite a bit scarier than what occurred on the field between Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph. Tait required 17 stitches in his forehead and had a broken nose. He wasn’t allowed to play or practice because of swelling and the fear of infection, according to the Star.

“Fights happen, and things happen in fights,” Tait said via the Kansas City Star. “But I don’t know about hitting people with a helmet. I definitely think disciplinary action should be taken. It’s not my place to say what or how much. I’d be disappointed if nothing is done.”

The team fined Freeman $2,500 for the incident, and everybody moved on.

The difference between this incident and the Garrett-Rudolph fight is glaring. One occurred during the course of a heated moment at training camp practice, the other in the final seconds of a nationally televised game. You can expect the NFL to get involved with fines and suspensions to be handed out swiftly in the case of the Browns-Steelers game.

The one common denominator is that an NFL helmet, weighing roughly six pounds, should never be used a weapon against another football player. Rudolph is lucky to not have suffered any significant injuries, as Tait did back in 2002.

Chiefs players react to Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph fight

Chiefs players were shocked to see what happened on Thursday night between the Browns and Steelers.

It was an ugly ending to the Week 11 edition of Thursday Night Football between Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Browns DE Myles Garrett and DT Larry Ogunjobi along with Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey were ejected for their part in an all-out brawl in the final minutes of the game. The personal foul that drew ejections came from a helmet-pulling affair between Garrett and Steelers QB Mason Rudolph. It led to Garrett forcibly removing Rudolph’s helmet and turning it upon Rudolph as a blunt weapon — hitting him over the head with it.

The incident was widely criticized on the social media airwaves with fans, journalists and NFL players weighing-in. Several Chiefs players expressed their shock and opinions on Twitter, including Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes was just selected as the Chiefs’ nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. It’s safe to say this wasn’t an act that carried the utmost sportsmanship and respect for the game.

Emmanuel Ogbah, a former teammate of Garrett’s, was a bit more reserved in his reaction. This is something that no one in the NFL wants to see happen.

Reggie Ragland wondered how things would have gone different if it were Patrick Mahomes instead of Mason Rudolph. One fan responded saying that the stands would clear in support of Mahomes.

Darron Lee found himself wondering what provoked Garrett’s actions? Was it something that went unchecked earlier in the game? Perhaps we’ll never know the answer to that question.

What we do know is that this isn’t how things should play out on the football field. Players from every team need to come together in unison and rebuke the actions of Garrett and anything that led to this happening. It’s an emotional game, but part of what makes NFL athletes professionals is their ability to keep those emotions in check and respond within the confines of the game.

Offensive and defensive players to watch in Chiefs vs. Chargers

We’ll be keeping an eye on these two Kansas City Chiefs players as they face the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs need a bounce-back win after a disappointing loss to the Tennessee Titans last week.

Beating the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night will go a long way in the Chiefs’ quest for a fourth-straight AFC West division title. It would keep them undefeated within the division and give them a win over each AFC West team.

K.C. is nearing full health after suffering multiple key injuries throughout the season and has a chance to pull it all together to go on a late-season run. The Chargers, meanwhile, are in desperation mode to keep their postseason chances alive.

Let’s take a look at one player on each side of the ball who can help the Chiefs knock off L.A.

Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Offense: TE Travis Kelce

Kelce is making acase to be a first-team All-Pro for the third time. He leads all tight ends in receiving yards (741) and is tied for first in receptions (56). He needs just 23 more receiving yards this season to reach 450 receptions and 6,000 yards faster than any other tight end in NFL history.

The Chargers have had success against Kelce in the past, holding him to just one reception in two separate games. He will certainly be a focal point for the Chargers’ defense, but the Chiefs’ dynamic receiving corps should open things up for him. K.C. is 5-1 this season when Kelce catches at least six passes.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Chiefs believe routine is key to altitude adjustment in Mexico City

The Kansas City Chiefs are sticking to what they know when it comes to preparing for the high-altitude in Mexico City.

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to elevate their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.

They’ll be playing 7,200 feet above sea level at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a difference of nearly 6,300 feet from Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs typically have one high-elevation game per year in Denver, at an altitude of 5,280 feet, so players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes feel prepared to face any challenges that the elevation may present.

“I’m obviously very excited to play in Mexico with the stadium, the history, the people and fan base that’s down there,” Mahomes said. “It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere. The altitude to me is something that’s just part of it. I’m going to trust what Rick (Burkholder) and Coach (Andy) Reid and their plan and the process. I’ve never been affected, knock on wood, never been affected like in Denver or anything like that. I know it’s supposed to be twice as high or whatever, but I’m going to go out there and focus on the game and what I can in order to have success.”

The Chiefs have done their research and they think the disruption in routine is more harmful than any potential benefits of training at a higher elevation. Their opponents, the Los Angeles Chargers, are training in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy. Kansas City will instead focus on other types of key preparations that will help as they head into the game.

“Obviously you are going to try to stay hydrated and try to get the right amount of rest but I think that’s stuff you do as the season goes on every single year,” Mahomes said. “As the season goes on, you have to make sure your body is in the best condition because it’s a long season. We’re excited to get to go to a place like that and get to play.”

As long as the Chiefs take the right steps in preparation, they’re confident the altitude won’t present them any problems.

“I just stay hydrated, man,” rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman said. “The best thing you can do anyways is to stay hydrated and just go out there and play.”

Hardman added that he didn’t feel like the altitude in Denver affected him when the Chiefs played there earlier this season. That’s a sentiment echoed by some of his defensive teammates as well, like second-year defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.

“The altitude [in Mexico City] — I’m not really worried about that from what I’ve been seeing,” Nnadi said. “A lot of our coaches did a lot of research when it comes to altitude. When we were in Denver we weren’t really that affected by it, so I feel like we should be fine.”

One thing is for certain: The decision-makers put a lot of thought into the choice to stick to their normal routine, and everyone, including the players, believes that it will pay off in the long run.

First injury report for Chiefs vs. Chargers, Week 11

A look at the first injury report of the week for the Chiefs and Chargers.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers held practice on Thursday. Six players did not participate in practice for the Chargers and three players did not participate in practice for the Chiefs.

Check out the full injury report for the Chiefs down below:

Player Injury Participation*
QB Patrick Mahomes Knee FP
DT Derrick Nnadi Elbow FP
DT Chris Jones Groin FP
CB Kendall Fuller Thumb FP
LT Eric Fisher Groin FP
LT Cam Erving Ankle FP
RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Ankle FP
DE Frank Clark Neck FP
WR Sammy Watkins Groin FP
RT Mitchell Schwartz Knee LP
TE Blake Bell Ankle DNP
DE Emmanuel Ogbah Pectoral DNP
DE Alex Okafor Ankle DNP

* DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

The Chiefs started the week off with a helmet-free practice. That means today was an easy-going day akin to a walkthrough. Despite the light day of practice, the Chiefs listed left tackle Eric Fisher and right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif as full participants in practice. It’d be ideal if both players were able to return this week after missing Week 10.

Mitchell Schwartz was the only player limited in practice to start the week. He was spotted wearing a brace during practice by Chiefs Digest reporter Matt Derrick. Schwartz will likely have an easy workload leading up to the game and end up starting barring any setbacks.

Three players didn’t participate in practice for the Chiefs. Alex Okafor and Blake Bell both sat out practice on Thursday. The team also confirmed that Emmanuel Ogbah had surgery on his injured pectoral muscle. He’s still on the roster so he needed to be listed on the injury report. Expect a move to send him to injured reserve before the week is over.

The only new injury that hadn’t yet been reported was a groin injury for Sammy Watkins. He was a full participant in practice, however, this makes his second soft tissue injury of the season. It’s certainly something to monitor moving forward.

Here’s the full injury report for the Chargers:

Player Injury Participation*
LB Denzel Perryman Knee FP
DT Justin Jones Shoulder FP
OG Dan Feeney Shoulder FP
S Roderic Teamer Groin LP
DT Cortez Broughton Illness DNP
WR Geremy Davis Hamstring DNP
OT Russel Okung Groin DNP
OT Sam Tevi Knee DNP
RB Justin Jackson Calf DNP
LC Cole Mazza Illness DNP

* DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

The Chargers start out the practice week missing both of their starting tackles in Russel Okung and Sam Tevi. That’s going to hurt if neither player is available against the Chiefs on Monday. Kansas City could face a Los Angeles offensive line that is missing four starters.

Two players who didn’t participate on Thursday are dealing with illness and have ample time to recover. Monitor limited participant Roderic Teamer, as he’s been a starter in place of injured safety Derwin James.

We’ll have more practice participation updates on Friday.