NFL News: Kansas City’s Kelce and Jones, Commanders’ Young Will Play in Week 2

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The Kansas City Chiefs are eagerly anticipating the return of their NFL star duo, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. As confirmed by Coach Andy Reid on Friday, the All-Pro tight end and defensive tackle are set to make their season debut this weekend. Both their appearances will improve the Chief’s NFL Lines. 

Both players have been standout participants during the practice sessions this week. As Reid mentioned, “as long as nothing happens, they’ll be out there” to play in Jacksonville. This is certainly promising news for the Chiefs and their supporters, especially after their Week 1 loss against the Detroit Lions. The team undoubtedly felt the absence of Kelce, who had been out due to knee inflammation, and Jones, who awaited the confirmation of his new contract, which he officially signed last Monday.

The Impact of Kelce and Jones on the Chiefs

The legacy of Travis Kelce with the Chiefs has been significant since he was drafted by the team in 2013. Similarly, Chris Jones, who joined Kansas City in 2016, has been a pivotal figure, especially during the team’s multiple Super Bowl campaigns. Their importance was glaringly evident during their Week 1 absence. Without Kelce on the field, the Chiefs’ receiving game struggled; no receiver surpassed 50 yards or managed more than four receptions. 

On the defensive end, Jones’s absence allowed Detroit to amass a whopping 118 rushing yards. To further illustrate the impact, quarterback Jared Goff of the Lions was only sacked once in that game.

Other Updates from the Chiefs Camp

In other news emanating from Friday’s practice, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the running back who was the Chiefs’ 2020 first-round pick, missed the practice session due to illness. In Week 1, he managed to gain 22 yards across six carries. In addition, linebacker Nick Bolton was absent from practice for personal reasons.

Chase Young Returns for Washington Commanders

Switching our attention to the Washington Commanders, another prominent figure, Chase Young, is ready to make his mark this season. Young will be making his debut in the 2023 season against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. This announcement comes as a boost to the team, especially after he had to sit out the Commanders’ Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals due to a neck injury. Young is another player whose presence impact NFL Odds. 

The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year has been out of action since suffering a stinger in the preseason opener on August 11. Throughout his three years with Washington, Young has notched up 75 combined tackles, made 50 solo tackles, and achieved nine sacks. Coach Ron Rivera, while optimistic about Young’s return, has indicated a cautious approach regarding Young’s playtime, stating the need to be “smart and diligent” regarding his Week 2 snap count.

Rivera’s Confidence in Young’s Return

Ron Rivera’s recent comments reflect confidence and optimism in Young’s performance during practice. He noted that Young’s week has been “very positive” and that there’s been a visible uptick in Young’s confidence. However, this does not guarantee that Young will play the full starter’s reps against the Broncos on Sunday.

To provide further context, Young has only played three regular-season games since experiencing a severe knee injury in the 10th week of the 2021 season. Despite this setback, he appeared in good form during the spring and summer practices until his recent neck injury.

As the NFL week 2 approaches, fans and analysts will be keenly watching the return of these star players. Their presence, skills, and influence on the game can be a game-changer, and their respective teams will be hoping for impactful performances to steer them towards victory. With the season just beginning, every game counts, and the return of such stalwarts will certainly inject renewed hope and enthusiasm among the players and fans alike.