Steelers' Huge Game On Christmas Day Versus Chiefs Could Drastically Change After Injury In Kansas City

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt with a brutal backend to the 2024 schedule. One of the games that was highlighted once the league announced the slate for the year was a Christmas Day matchup between the six-time Super Bowl champions and Kansas City Chiefs. Andy Reid and his team will have a chance to clinch home-field advantage in the AFC after beating the Houston Texans in Week 16. At this time of year, all organizations are hoping to enter the postseason as healthy as possible. There are going to be some ailments to keep an eye on during the short week.

Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an ankle injury, but it's not serious enough to keep him on the sideline. For the Steelers, the hope is to get both George Pickens and DeShon Elliott back for the AFC showdown. A new injury popped up in Kansas City on Saturday, however, and it involves the Chiefs' most important player on the defensive side of the ball.

Chris Jones went down with a calf injury against the Texans and didn't find his way back into the game. That doesn't mean he will be absent when Kansas City comes to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but it surely is something to keep an eye on. Jones has the same effect on the Chiefs' defense as TJ Watt does for the Steelers. With the playoffs looming, Kansas City will likely be cautious with the All-Pro.

Not having Jones would change the entire game for both teams involved. It's much easier to plan for Kansas City's defense with the most consistent and productive player on the sideline. The Steelers would immediately have a better chance to win if Watt is playing, and Jones is not.

Steelers Have Yet To Beat Mahomes

Pittsburgh has not been able to overcome the Chiefs with Mahomes playing quarterback. One of the more vivid memory for Steelers fans is probably Kansas City ending the career of Ben Roethlisberger in the 2021 playoffs. The Chiefs will probably be favored in the Christmas Day matchup, but if Jones has adrenaline slow down and wakes up on Sunday with a swollen calf, it's possible that he won't be able to go on a short week.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his team will welcome the challenge of hosting Reid and his squad on Wednesday, but there's no doubt that the offense could have a little bit easier of a time moving the ball if Jones is sidelined. Fans for both franchises will be keeping an eye on the injury report throughout the few days of preparation, specifically because of how much of a game-wrecker Jones is.

Do you think that Jones could potentially miss Wednesday's game in the Steel City? Let us know in the comments below!

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