KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Linebacker Nick Bolton was a limited participant in practice Thursday as the Chiefs prepare to visit the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he’s not certain yet if Bolton is ready to return from a sprained ankle.
“Nick’s done a little bit of work here,” Spagnuolo said. “I don’t know if we’re at that point yet. Probably going to be right down to the end of the week.”
Bolton has missed the past two games after injuring his ankle in Week 3 at Jacksonville. Spagnuolo said Bolton was “champing at the bit” to get back on the field.
“He’s a competitor and I don’t think he likes standing on the sideline and watching the guys out there playing,” Spagnuolo said. “So if he can go he’ll go. But we’ll see we are at the end (of the week).”
Bolton was one of two players limited on Thursday. Rookie offensive tackle Wanya Morris was added to the injury report with a hip injury. Backup defensive tackle Matt Dickerson did not practice for a second straight day as he continues dealing with a swollen knee. The issue is not expected to keep him out long-term, however.
Bolton’s ankle isn’t the only injury among the team’s linebacker corps. Drue Tranquill, who has filled in for Bolton the last two games, is dealing with a left wrist injury. Jack Cochrane suffered a calf injury against the New York Jets Sunday night but was a full participant Thursday. Practice squad linebacker Cole Christiansen also left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.
The Chiefs did deliver some good news on the injury front Thursday with cornerback Jaylen Watson upgraded to a full participant. Watson has been dealing with a strained left shoulder that kept him out of last week’s game against the Jets. He appears on track to return to the lineup this week.
Everyone on the Vikings’ active roster practiced in some form Thursday. Starting linebackers Marcus Davenport (ankle) and Brian Asamoah II (toe) were limited Thursday.
The Vikings removed three veteran starters from their injury report Thursday. Linebacker Jordan Hicks, safety Harrison Smith and right tackle Brian O’Neill were listed as not practicing Wednesday for rest.
Minnesota made two roster moves Thursday, signing offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji from their practice squad to the active roster. The team also signed former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan to their practice squad. He’s insurance with backup quarterback Nick Mullens dealing with a back injury. The team also has BYU rookie Jaren Hall on the active roster.
Chiefs injury report
Did not practice: DT Matt Dickerson (knee)
Limited participation: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and OT Wanya Morris (hip)
Full participation: DT Chris Jones (groin), DE George Karlaftis (knee), CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee), WR Kadarius Toney (toe), LB Drue Tranquill (wrist), CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) and LB Jack Cochrane (calf)
Vikings injury report
Did not practice: None
Limited participation: OLB Marcus Davenport (ankle), LB Brian Asamoah II (toe), S Lewis Cine (hamstring), S Josh Metellus (shoulder) and QB Nick Mullens (back)
Full participation: C Garrett Bradbury (back)
