The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday by a score of 19-17. The Chiefs’ margin of victory was low partially because the defense continued to underperform against inferior competition, though the offensive line struggled as well.
Despite most of the defense underperforming, fourth-year linebacker Nick Bolton was flying around the field making plays,
Unfortunately, it sounds like Bolton got a little banged up during the game. In Andy Reid’s post-game press conference, he told reporters Bolton was the only player that sustained a notable injury even though he was able to finish the game.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says Nick Bolton is the only one who really got banged up, but he was able to come back in and finish the game. Had the game-winning fumble recovery.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 29, 2024
While the severity and classification for Bolton’s was not given, it seems like it’s not too serious. That’s good news for two reasons.
First off, the Chiefs can’t afford to sustain any more defensive injuries. The team just got Charles Omenihu back, which helps their pass rush. However, their secondary is still struggling without Jaylen Watson. Losing Bolton could have been catastrophic to the middle part of the defense.
Secondly, the Chiefs are due for a few breaks when it comes to injuries. They’ve already spent half the season dealing with injuries in their receiving room, backfield, defensive line, and secondary.
Luckily, two players returned from injury in the victory over the Raiders. Still, the Chiefs need their injury luck to turn around if they want to return to the Super Bowl.
Although it’s only one game, exiting it with a single injury that doesn’t seem to be too serious could be a sign that the Chiefs’ injury luck is turning around.
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