NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Chiefs LB Nick Bolton will need surgery on his dislocated right wrist and is expected to miss "roughly two months." That would put Bolton's estimated return at Week 16 (Dec. 25) against the Raiders. Unfortunately, that timeline means Bolton is probably worth dropping in most redraft IDP leagues -- unless you can stash him in an IR spot. Drue Tranquill should reclaim a full-time role while Bolton's out. He'll be regularly usable in fantasy lineups but doesn't match Bolton's scoring upside.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton dislocated his right wrist in Sunday's win over the Chargers. They're reportedly still determining the severity of the injury, though it seems likely Bolton will miss some further time. If he does, expect LB Drue Tranquill to become a full-timer once again. Tranquill filled that role for the three previous games that Bolton missed with a sprained ankle. He tallied 8+ tackles in each.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton is off the final injury report and ready to return tonight against the Broncos after missing the past three games with an ankle sprain. He has been in our Week 6 rankings all week and should be back in your IDP lineups.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (ankle) is inactive for the third straight game. His absence boosts Drue Tranquill way up the Week 5 LB rankings.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings. He managed limited practices all week after missing the past two games. DC Steve Spagnuolo indicated it'll be a game-time decision, though, according to Arrowhead Pride. If he's out again, Drue Tranquill would fill in.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (ankle) put in limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. That's noteworthy because he missed every practice the past two weeks, along with both games. We'll see about Bolton's game status after Friday's practice. His return would send LB Drue Tranquill back to a part-time role.

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.

In addition to the change at safety, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Chiefs' defensive alterations could include "possibly more Nick Bolton and Willie Gay together at linebacker." It'll be a tough situation to read for IDP value before we see the new snap distribution among Chiefs LBs. We did move Anthony Hitchens down the Week 6 LB rankings, though.

LB Nick Bolton joined the Chiefs in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Bolton racked up 198 tackles over 2 starting seasons, including 16.5 tackles for loss. He added 12 passes defensed. Bolton followed that up with a 64th-percentile speed score at his pro day. The biggest question for IDP purposes might be what his arrival means for Willie Gay Jr.'s outlook, but there's room for both to earn full-time roles and displace the lineup incumbents. Bolton looks like the safer bet for regular duty and production, with Gay the higher-upside athlete.