With linebacker Nick Bolton out for a second-consecutive game with a sprained ankle, the Chiefs will go with Drue Tranquill as their starter at middle linebacker.
Bolton and cornerback Jaylen Watson (sprained shoulder) were ruled out by the club on Friday and lead the team’s inactive list for Sunday night’s game at the New York Jets. Also inactive for the game are guard/center Mike Caliendo, defensive end BJ Thompson and defensive tackles Keondre Coburn and Neil Farrell.
Tranquill stepped into Bolton’s Mike linebacker position last week against Chicago, led the Chiefs with eight total tackles, and shared a sack with George Karlaftis.
Fellow linebacker Willie Gay was limited to 21 snaps last week against Chicago due to a quad contusion but he was a full participant in practice this week. He and strongside linebacker Leo Chenal are expected to contribute a full workload this week with second-year linebacker Jack Cochrane. Undrafted rookie Cam Jones and practice squad linebacker Cole Christiansen, who was elected from the practice squad Saturday for tonight’s game, are expected to be four-phase contributors on special teams.
Watson’s absence means seventh-round draft choice Nic Jones should see his first action of the season. Watson has primarily been the fourth cornerback in the rotation, so the bulk of the snaps tonight should go to starters L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie along with No. 3 corner Joshua Williams. Jones should pick up the bulk of the special teams work normally filled by Watson, who played 15 snaps last week on teams.
Offensive tackle Wanya Morris is another member of this year’s rookie draft class expected to make his Chiefs debut on Sunday night. Morris is active after the club placed Prince Tega Wanogho on injured reserve with a torn quad. Lucas Niang will be the swing tackle tonight with Nick Allegretti as the extra interior lineman. Barring injuries, Morris should only see duty on special teams.
Earlier this week, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Montrell Washington and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson to the active roster from their practice squad. Washington will again serve as the return special on kicks and punts while Dickerson will add depth behind starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi and backup Tershawn Wharton
Chiefs inactive list
- LB Nick Bolton
- CB Jaylen Watson
- G/C Mike Caliendo
- DE BJ Thompson
- DT Keondre Coburn
- DT Neil Farrell
Jets inactive list
- S Tony Adams
- WR Jason Brownlee
- RB Israel Abanikanda
- LB Zaire Barnes
- C/G Wes Schweitzer
- DT Al Woods
