Andy Reid announces Travis Kelce, Chris Jones will play Sunday vs. Jaguars

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced the news Kansas City fans have been waiting all week for on Friday – tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones will both play on Sunday in Jacksonville. Kelce and Jones sat out of the Chiefs’ first game of the season, which turned into their first loss against the Lions.

Reid told reporters that the duo would play “as long as nothing happens.” Kelce had a bone bruise last week but is now full go.

Knowing the eyes would be on him at practice on Friday, the charismatic playmaker pretended to limp and clutch his knee before breaking into a little jig and running along.

Travis Kelce at practice today 😂😂😂😂😂

(🎥: @JaredKCTV5) pic.twitter.com/y6X27WD1qa

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 15, 2023

Kelce finished the 2022 season with a career-high 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. He also added another 27 catches for 257 yards with four touchdowns on the way to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Getting the tight end back will be a huge boost against the Jags for quarterback Patrick Mahomes who dealt with some iffy receiver play in Week 1.

Jones ends holdout with greater incentives

Jones had been holding out and missed Week 1 searching for a new contract. It was shortly after the game when he and Kansas City were able to come to terms on a one-year deal. In the reworked contract, he can make incentives to earn more than the $19.5 million this season before becoming a free agent.

Without Jones in Week 1, Kansas City gave up 118 rushing yards and only sacked Jared Goff once.

“I’m super pleased with how it turned out,” Jones said Wednesday upon his return to practice. “I’m back in the building, I’m excited to be back, thankful for the organization. They [were] able to boost my salary up to make up for the fines and everything. I’m super grateful for that.”

The defensive star will have to hit some high bars to qualify for his extra bonuses, but they’re not totally out of reach. He can get $1.25 million if he reaches 10 sacks, then an additional $500,000 for 15 sacks.

Jones can also get another $1 million if he earns a first-team All-Pro selection like he did last season and if the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, his holdout contributed to the Chiefs taking their first loss, putting the Super Bowl ever so slightly out of reach. A loss against the Jaguars this weekend would mean a steep uphill climb back to the trophy.

The Chiefs and Jaguars kick off in Jacksonville at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Jacksonville is 1-0 after dropping Indianapolis 31-21.