Ben Niemann Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that LB Anthony Hitchens is dealing with a right triceps contusion. NFL Network's Jeffrey Chadiha reports, however, that Hitchens also has a nerve injury in the elbow. It's not yet clear how long -- or even whether -- Hitchens will miss further time. Ben Niemann led Chiefs LBs in Week 6 playing time, with Hitchens leaving early. Nick Bolton checked in 2nd, while Willie Gay Jr.'s snap share declined vs. the previous game. Bolton is the most attractive IDP option among those 3.

Chiefs LB Ben Niemann left in the 1st half of Sunday's win over the Falcons with a hamstring injury. With Anthony Hitchens (COVID list) and Damien Wilson (knee) already inactive, that left Darius Harris and Willie Gay Jr. to lead the LB corps in playing time. Harris edged Gay by 5 snaps, but Gay posted a team-high 9 tackles (7 solo). Kansas City clinched the AFC's top playoff seed with the win, so a meaningless Week 17 would seem like the perfect spot to give the 2nd-round rookie another start and a long look -- especially with other LBs nursing injuries. We'll see how this week unfolds, though.

Chiefs LB Anthony Hitchens put in full practices Tuesday and Wednesday, and the team left him off the final injury reports. He should be set to return Thursday night against the Broncos from the groin injury that cost him Week 6. That will push Ben Niemann back to a small role. He played just 13, 15 and 13 snaps the 3 games before Hitchens left early in Week 5. The Chiefs will miss CB Kendall Fuller (thumb) and DT Chris Jones (groin) against Denver, however. CB Bashaud Breeland is questionable for the game despite not having an injury. He did not travel with the team, but the Broncos have so far given no details on the corner's situation.

Chiefs LB Anthony Hitchens (groin) is inactive for today's game against the Texans. His absence pushes Ben Niemann into the starting lineup.