Defensive tackle Chris Jones is on holdout for a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Andy Reid expresses surprise at the defensive star’s absence from training camp

What’s next for Chris Jones with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Head coach Andy Reid had mentioned before the start of training camp that he wasn’t sure Jones would appear – but then expressed “a bit of surprise” at the defensive tackle’s absence.

The 29-year-old Jones has one year remaining on his contract with the reigning Super Bowl champions and excelled last season, but did not appear for the Training Camp opener and is in a holdout.

Reid, however, said the two sides are in talks over a new working paper. “We will see how things develop here. There has been communication. They are doing their thing. We’re doing our thing,” he told the Kansas City Star.

The holdout will be costly for the defensive star: $50,000 a day Jones must pay for his absence under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. If he misses all practice sessions, the fine would be a whopping $950,000.