KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Starting linebacker Nick Bolton and return specialist Richie James won’t play for the Chiefs on Sunday when they host the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Bolton suffered an ankle injury in last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars while James is dealing with an MCL injury in his knee.
The outlook is more promising for running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring), wide receiver Kadarius Toney (toe) and linebacker Willie Gay (quad). Pacheco and Toney returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday while Toney returned to the field on Friday.
With Bolton out for Sunday, Drue Tranquill will step into the starting role as the team’s Mike linebacker and play caller for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Head coach Andy Reid gave Tranquill his endorsement Friday.
“He’s been working in there anyways,” Reid said. “I mean, “Spags has got all these different packages, so everybody has a chance to play. And he’s got all that experience so he would be the most likely, yes.”
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Thursday he would likely use a committee approach to replace James as the kick and punt returner. Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Toney and Rashee Rice are all potential candidates.
Chiefs injury report
OUT: LB Nick Bolton and WR Richie James
DOUBTFUL: None
QUESTIONABLE: RB Isiah Pacheco, WR Kadarius Toney and LB Willie Gay
Did not practice: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and WR Richie James (knee)
Limited participation: WR Kadarius Toney (toe), LB Willie Gay Jr. (quad) and RB Isiah Pacheco (hamstring)
Full participation: CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee), RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder), CB Nic Jones (hand), WR Justin Watson (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder)
Bears injury report
OUT: DT Khalid Kareem
DOUBTFUL: S Eddie Jackson
QUESTIONABLE: C Nate Davis
Did not practice: S Eddie Jackson (foot) and DL Khalid Kareem (hip)
Limited participation: C Nate Davis (personal)
Full participation: WR Darnell Mooney (knee), OL Lucas Patrick (illness) and DB Josh Blackwell (hamstring)
