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Anthony Hitchens is out of practice Wednesday due to ‘triceps contusion’

How Kansas City handles his communication duties if Hitchens cannot play against Tennessee remains to be seen.

Kansas City Chiefs v Buffalo Bills Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens will not practice Wednesday due to what the team is calling a “triceps contusion,” an injury he suffered during the team’s 31-13 win over the Washington Football Team. It is worth noting that the team and initial reports said that Hitchens injured his elbow.

The Chiefs signed a veteran linebacker and protected two linebackers on their practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. These moves indicate that the Chiefs may need depth with Hitchens’ potential absence from the lineup.

With Hitchens playing only 11 snaps against Washington because of the injury, veteran linebacker Ben Niemann took over the green-dot (communication) duties, finishing with 42 snaps (72%). Rookie Nick Bolton had 38 snaps (66%) and second-year linebacker Willie Gay Jr. had 18 snaps (31%).

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid noted that all three are capable of handling the green dot, if necessary.

“All three of them will be in there going at different spots,” said Reid. “[Steve Spagnuolo] has a lot of different personnel groups in there. All three of them can make the calls they need.”

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may offer more clarity on the Chiefs’ plans should Hitchens not be available when he speaks to the media on Thursday.


Reid’s other Wednesday injury notes

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