Chris Jones Threatens to Leave Chiefs If Team Doesn’t Trade for DT Mike Pennel — “Get My Brother Back or I’m Gone”
Kansas City, MO – October 18, 2025
Drama has officially hit Arrowhead. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has made a bold, emotional plea to the Kansas City front office: bring back Mike Pennel — or risk losing me this season.
Speaking ahead of the Week 7 AFC West showdown with the Raiders, Jones didn’t mince words when asked about the team’s inconsistent run defense. “We’re missing everything without Mike,” he said bluntly.
The 6-foot-4, 332-pound Mike Pennel remains on the Bengals roster after signing there in the offseason. In seven games for Cincinnati, he’s logged 15 tackles and continues to be the same powerful interior presence who helped Kansas City win two Super Bowls between 2019–20 and 2023–24.
Pennel was released by the Chiefs in late August as part of final roster cuts despite re-signing on a one-year deal in March. Since then, Kansas City’s run defense has struggled, allowing 119.2 rushing yards per game — 19th in the NFL.
Jones, who has been the emotional leader of the Chiefs’ defense for nearly a decade, clearly sees Pennel’s absence as more than a numbers issue. “Mike brings energy, leadership, toughness — all the stuff that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet,”
Sources close to the locker room say Jones’ comments weren’t offhand — they were a message to management. The All-Pro lineman reportedly feels “disrespected” that Kansas City let go of key veterans like Pennel and is now ready to draw a line.
Despite holding the Lions to just 65 rushing yards in Week 6, the Chiefs’ defensive front remains thin. Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott has been filling in next to Jones, but the chemistry and grit that Pennel brought during Kansas City’s Super Bowl runs can’t be replicated overnight.
If the front office ignores Jones’ request, Kansas City could be facing more than just a hole in the defensive line — they could risk losing the heart and soul of their defense before the season ends.
Stay tuned to ESPN for developing updates on this explosive situation in Kansas City.
Chiefs Final Injury Report: Kansas City Gets Good News Ahead of Raiders Showdown
Kansas City, MO – October 18, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s AFC West showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, and rookie left tackle Josh Simmons has officially been ruled
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed after Friday’s practice that Simmons remains away from the team and offered no further details on his situation or a return timetable. The rookie was initially listed as questionable just hours before kickoff against the Lions last Sunday, but did not play.
In Simmons’ absence, Jaylon Moore will make his second straight start at left tackle. The former 49er, who spent four years backing up All-Pro Trent Williams, stepped in during the 30–17 win over Detroit and is set for his 14th career start this weekend at Arrowhead Stadium.
Simmons is the only Chiefs player carrying a game status designation for Week 7. Every other player on the active roster practiced in full on Friday — including rookie running back
For the Raiders, there was cautious optimism as tight end Brock Bowers returned to practice for the first time since October 1 after missing two games with a knee injury. He was limited in participation and is officially
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers also made progress, returning to practice after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday with knee and toe issues. He’s listed as questionable, while
Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Friday that Meyers saw more reps than Bowers but stopped short of confirming either player’s availability. With a Week 8 bye
Sunday’s matchup between the Chiefs (3–3) and Raiders (2–4) kicks off at 12 p.m. CT at
Despite Simmons’ absence, Kansas City’s offensive line aims to carry over its momentum — and protect Patrick Mahomes in one of the AFC West’s fiercest rivalries.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Taylor-Swift-Lead-f5b0ff2996d44a92ba2f81a32a08243f.jpg)
