Nick

Bolton

Bolton, 25, is back with the Chiefs on a three-year deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed money. The former second-round pick was reportedly generating “significant interest” from the Broncos and Raiders, but eschewed hitting the market to take this deal. Bolton has totaled 100-plus tackles in three of his four seasons as a pro, and put up a career-high three sacks last season. With Bolton and guard Trey Smith now under contract, the Chiefs have retained two of their top impending free agents just days before the new league year kicks off.

Bolton tackled the ball carrier from behind and landed on top of the player’s lower leg left, driving the player’s heel into Bolton’s ribs. He spent time catching his breath on one knee before being escorted off the field by the Chiefs’ training staff.

Bolton’s 21-day return window was opened 10 days ago, and now the Chiefs’ starting linebacker is ready to make his return. Bolton landed on injured reserve after suffering a wrist injury in the team’s Week 7 win over the Chargers and had missed three games earlier in the season due to an ankle injury. Through four games, Bolton has totaled 15 tackles and one interception. He’ll be ready to go for Week 14 against the Bills in a pivotal AFC matchup. In a corresponding move, the Chiefs placed safety Bryan Cook on injured reserve.

Bolton has been sidelined with a wrist injury since October. He was placed on injured reserve and is now eligible to return. Bolton’s limited practice indicates he is close to returning to play, and the Chiefs have 21 days to activate him.

Bolton exited Sunday’s contest against the Chiefs and was in visible pain heading toward the sideline. His wrist was caught up in a bad place while making a tackle on Keenan Allen, and dislocated while bringing him down. Bolton has 28 tackles and one interception through four games with the Chiefs this season, and is likely headed to injured reserve.

It’s business as usual for the Chiefs as they hunt for their fourth consecutive win against the reeling Vikings. From a fantasy perspective, expect the same maddening wide receiver rotation that we have seen during the first four weeks of the season.

Bolton missed the past two weeks because of the ankle issue but returned to practice on Wednesday. He got in three limited sessions before being listed as questionable. He looks likely to return this week, though the Chiefs could opt to give him one more week of rest before letting him back on the field. Bolton racked up 15 tackles in two games to open the year.

Bolton has missed the past two weeks because of the ankle issue but looks likely to suit up in Week 5. The former second-round pick totaled 15 tackles in his first two appearances and will return to the starting line if cleared from the injury report at the end of the week.

No major surprises on the Chiefs side. All primary skill position players are active and playing.

Bolton missed Week 3 with the ankle issue and will be sidelined for at least one more game. Bolton had 15 tackles through two games. Backup cornerback Jaylen Watson was also ruled out for Week 4.