Chiefs' Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes don't mince words regarding Chris Jones' holdout

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions as if they'll be without star DT Chris Jones.  Jones did not show up for practice on Sunday as the two sides remain apart on a new deal. As Andy Reid took the lectern to speak to media members ahead of Sunday's […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions as if they'll be without star DT Chris Jones. 

Jones did not show up for practice on Sunday as the two sides remain apart on a new deal. As Andy Reid took the lectern to speak to media members ahead of Sunday's practice, he made his thoughts on the situation abundantly clear.

"I can't tell you that," Reid said when asked about whether Jones would play in Week 1. "I don't know what his agenda is or when he's coming or not coming. But we're rolling right now. I haven't put much thought into that." 

As for where things go from here in terms of the holdout and contract negotiations, Reid isn't certain what the outcome will be.

"Listen, you're never sure how it's going to work out," Reid said. "You're dealing with too many people in this type of thing. This thing could go either direction. I don't spend a lot of time on it. We had 90 guys and I have to make sure we're going in the right direction. Now, we're getting ready to play a game. So, you're either here or not here. That's how I go about it." 

Reid added that the players who will have a chance to play without Jones in the lineup are excited for that opportunity.

Patrick Mahomes echoed the comments of his head coach on Sunday, explaining that all the team can focus on right now is preparing to play with those players who are in the building. 

"At this point, you just kind of prepare to play the game with the guys that are in the building and let the front office handle that," Mahomes said. "We've got a tough test with the Detroit Lions and we're going to focus on how we can win with the guys here."

The team will focus on getting the next man up ready to play as if this were an injury situation because it's all they really can do at this point.

Mahomes is also determined to not let this become a distraction. His goals remain the same, and he certainly hopes that Jones will soon end his holdout, joining in the team's quest for a repeat title.

"I know how special it is here," Mahomes said. "I know how special of a thing we've got going. I stay out of contract stuff, but I know that I'm lucky to be in this place, and I want to go out there and try to win as many championships as I can."

Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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