Chiefs defensive unit could be even better in the coming weeks as linebacker returns

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An outstanding defensive unit in Kansas City could be even better down the stretch of the regular season.

Nick Bolton hasn’t played for the Chiefs since October 22, when they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers (31-17).

On Wednesday, though, he was back practising with the team ahead of their upcoming Sunday contest against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

The third-year linebacker’s 21-day practise window opened this week as the coaches see how he’s progressing with his rehab.

Head coach Andy Reid says they don’t want to rush his return to the field.

“We’ll just bring him along slowly and see how he does.”

As things stand, Bolton hasn’t been activated from the injured reserve list, meaning he can practise without counting against the Chiefs’ 53-man roster total.

Bolton is a few days ahead of schedule from his expected six-week absence, a good sign for Steve Spagnuolo‘s defensive unit.

Chiefs are in no hurry

Kansas City shouldn’t be in any hurry to bring Bolton back into the fold.

After all, they are fourth in the NFL regarding yards allowed per game (290.0) and fifth in sacks (37).

There’s also the play of Drue Tranquill, one of the many defensive players who’ve been outstanding for this group throughout the year.

In 11 games, including seven starts, Tranquill has been perhaps the best Chief in the linebacking corps, with 70 tackles, six for losses, five quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Those are Pro Bowl worthy numbers, and with the top seed in the conference up for grabs, you need him.

Add to that Willie Gay’s 39 tackles, three passes defended, and a solid sophomore season for Leo Chenal, and you see that the Chiefs are doing just fine without Bolton.

The 23-year-old out of Frisco still has a lot he can bring to the table though whenever he’s 100%.

How Bolton will help

It’ll be a waiting game for Bolton, but he’ll see the field plenty whenever that moment arrives.

Coming into 2023, we were expecting to see a three-headed monster in the Chiefs’ linebacking corps anchored by Bolton alongside Tranquill and Gay.

In four games this season, Bolton played in 85% of available snaps, recording 28 tackles while breaking up one pass.

His explosive speed and ability to deliver big hits would bolster a solid defensive unit.

When you get into these meaningful games in the New Year, Bolton’s game-changing plays could be pivotal to this team’s success.

Bolton finished second in the NFL in 2022 for tackles(180) and had two fumble recoveries during their playoff run.

He proved that he could step up in big moments during the 2022 campaign, returning a Jalen Hurts fumble for a touchdown in the Super Bowl while leading the Chiefs in tackles (nine) in that game.

Indeed, you do not want to mess with a good thing, and the Chiefs have something special among these linebackers.

However, it’s hard to imagine the presence of Bolton will ruin the linebacking continuity; in fact, quite the contrary.

If Bolton fully heals in the 21-day window, he’ll still have a few games to play and, come playoff time, should be ready to help the Chiefs in their quest for a Super Bowl repeat.