Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones has unexpectedly landed on the injury report just ahead of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. While not physically injured, Jones is listed as “non-injury related – personal,” leaving his status in doubt.

The team made the announcement on X, stating, ”We are adding DT Chris Jones to the injury report (non-injury related – personal). He has no game status designation.” The player remains officially healthy, but his availability is now uncertain.

The Chiefs surprised fans by adding their star defensive tackle to the injury report just a day before their Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Raven. However, the exact reason for his inclusion hasn’t been revealed, the team has simply listed it as “personal”.

Having stayed off the injury report through the first three weeks, his sudden absence is a major concern for a defense already dealing with depth issues.

Jones’s absence casts a deep defensive void

Chris Jones, now in his 10th NFL season, continues to be the linchpin of Kansas City’s defensive line. He has recorded five tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss in the first three games of 2025, playing 163 snaps, over 80% of the team’s defensive plays.

His durability and leadership have been central to the Chiefs’ defensive success, and losing him against a high-powered Baltimore offense led by Lamar Jackson could tilt the balance.

The Chiefs may revise his status closer to kickoff, but for now, Jones remains one of the biggest question marks heading into Week 4.

The uncertainty is amplified by the weight Jones carries on this defense. As NFL analyst Rich Eisen emphasized on The Rich Eisen Show in July, “Chris Jones is right there at No. 5. He cracks the top five.” 

Eisen ranked Jones fifth in his Top 10 Non-Quarterbacks in the NFL, placing him above stars like Maxx Crosby and just behind Myles Garrett and Ja’Marr Chase. He noted that Jones doesn’t get enough Defensive Player of the Year recognition despite being one of the most dominant defenders in the league.

Alongside the Jones update, the Chiefs announced they would elevate cornerback Kevin Knowles and defensive tackle Brodric Martin for Sunday’s game. This move came just before the Jones news broke. For Knowles, it marks his third consecutive appearance this season, as Kansas City looks to reinforce a defense hit hard by injuries.

Defensive end Mike Danna is listed as doubtful with a quad injury, while cornerback Kristian Fulton and defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte are questionable. These setbacks further strain a unit that has been the stronger side of the ball so far this season.

Kansas City’s defense has been the stronger side of the ball so far this year, and losing multiple starters at the same time has the possibility to swing the game in favor of Baltimore.

Offense may get a boost, but pressure remains

On the offensive side, the expected return of wide receiver Xavier Worthy offers a glimmer of hope. Worthy has been sidelined since his Week 1 collision with Travis Kelce, and his presence could help quarterback Patrick Mahomes find rhythm.

Mahomes, however, hasn’t looked like his usual self this season. He has thrown just 4 touchdowns against 2 interceptions in three games, with a passer rating of 89.3, well below his career average of 105.2. His Week 3 outing included only 235 passing yards and one touchdown, underscoring the offense’s struggle to find consistency.

After picking up a much-needed win in Week 3, the Chiefs (1-2) aim to build on that success as they face the Ravens (1-2) this Sunday. Historically, the Chiefs lead the head-to-head series 9-5, but a wave of injuries and unexpected absences could complicate their push to extend that edge.