Disgruntled defensive end Chandler Jones will not play in the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos. After the player’s blowup on social media this week, where he leaked text messages from his head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, and said he doesn’t want to play for the team as long as they are in charge, this is hardly a surprise.
“#Raiders coach Josh McDaniels says he does not expect pass-rusher Chandler Jones to play this week,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Twitter Friday, to no one’s surprise.
The drama between Chandler Jones and the Raiders, Josh McDaniels, and Dave Ziegler started earlier in the week when Jones accused the team of locking him out of the facility. The issues escalated when Jones wasn’t at practice ahead of the Raiders Week 1 game vs. the Broncos.
McDaniels told the media it was for a “private” and “personal' manner” but Jones continued his attacks on social media. In response, the Raiders reportedly sent the Las Vegas Crisis Response Team to his home to do a wellness check.
The only things Jones posted online Friday were a tweet saying, “Woke up feeling amazing this morning! Thank you God!” with a prayer hands emoji, and on Instagram, another inspirational quote and a Kanye West song.
While Jones won’t play on Sunday against the Broncos for sure, his status with the Raiders seems tenuous at best. There is surely more to come, and we'll be keeping an eye on Jones' social media because of that.