Patrick Mahomes speaks about what Kadarius Toney's return means for the Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is active for Week 1 action versus the Detroit Lions, after undergoing surgery to clean up his knee this summer. Andy Reid told reporters on Sunday that Toney was “good to go,” and quarterback Patrick Mahomes also discussed the impact of getting his speedy weapon back.

“The talent that he has, the competitor that he is — to be able to go out there and have that weapon would definitely be a huge positive,” Mahomes said Sunday. “He’s done a great job in the practices that he’s been in so far, and I’m looking forward to him continuing to step up and be even better and be more like his normal self.

“Honestly going out there the first few days and seeing him, he looks like KT. I’m excited for that, he put a lot of time in that rehab process so that he can get himself ready, hopefully, to play in this first week.”

It sounds like Toney will suit up for the game if he doesn’t suffer a setback before then.

“Right now, he’s good to go,” Reid said on Sunday, via Nate Taylor. “He’s moving around pretty well. We’ll take it day by day.”

The Chiefs acquired the former Florida Gators receiver in the middle of the 2022 season from the New York Giants. He played in seven games tallying 14 receptions for 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Toney added another seven catches for 50 yards with a touchdown in three postseason games. He also returned a punt 65 yards to give Kansas City field position at the Eagles’ 5-yard line late in the Super Bowl.

Despite his successes, Toney’s career in the league so far has been injured-filled. As a rookie, he missed games due to COVID protocols and an oblique injury. Last year, he also missed games with a hamstring injury.

Kansas City and Detroit kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday. Toney will be with the Chiefs, but it still looks like they’ll miss one of their biggest stars.

Chris Jones’ holdout continues ahead of Week 1 vs Detroit

Defensive tackle Chris Jones officially missed practice on Sunday amid his contract holdout. His team is just four days away from opening the 2023 season and it appears they’ll have to do it without him.

“I don’t know when he’s coming or not coming,” Andy Reid said Sunday, regarding Jones’ status.

While holding out for more money, Jones has earned more than $2 million in fines – and they only increase once the season starts.

“Chris Jones racked up roughly $2 million in fines during his training camp holdout,” Tom Pelissero reported. “He also gave up a $500,000 workout bonus. He would forfeit an additional $1,083,333 for each regular-season game missed.”

Jones is in his final season of a four-year, $80 million contract. He’s set to make $19.5 million this year, according to Spotrac. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams standout Aaron Donald is the highest-paid tackle in the NFL with a contract of $95 million.

Last season was the best of his career as he totaled 44 tackles and tied his career-high with 15.5 sacks. He capped the season off with the Lombardi Trophy after posting three tackles in the Super Bowl win over the Eagles.