Report: Anthony Hitchens suffered “severely bruised ribs” against Broncos (updated with quotes from Andy Reid)

Thanks to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, we have more information about the injury Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens sustained in the 30-23 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Hitchens left the game in the fourth quarter, after he and Breeland Speaks combined on a tackle of Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay. Once he was on the sideline, he could be seen by television viewers holding his rib cage in obvious pain. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said that Hitchens had been hit in the ribs with a helmet.

According to Rapoport’s sources, Hitchens’ ribs are “severely bruised,” and his injury status is now considered “week-to-week” by the team.

“Hopefully Hitch will be OK,” Reid said. “I’m not saying that Hitch isn’t OK. We’ve done a couple of the preliminary things last night and we’re headed in the right direction although I’m sure he is going to be a little sore as we go.”

If Hitchens cannot go, our expectation at Arrowhead Pride is that would mean more time for rookie Ben Niemann, who’s had just 14 total defensive snaps the last two weeks.

“Ben’s done a nice job,” Reid said. “Smart kid, coach’s kid. He doesn’t say much, but I like the way he goes about his business. When he talks and has to make calls, people listen. He’s done a nice job. Mark (DeLeone)’s done a good job with him, spending extra time with him on the coaching side. I think everybody has confidence in him if that comes about.”