The Kansas City Chiefs are down one of their defensive leaders for the time being.
Early in the second quarter, the Chiefs ruled starting MIKE linebacker Anthony Hitchens questionable to return to the game with a hand injury. Hitchens, of course, handles the defensive play-calling for Kansas City. It isn’t a surprise that in his absence the Las Vegas Raiders have been taking advantage of the ground game, rushing straight at the heart of the Chiefs defense.
Hitchens hasn’t yet been ruled out of the game, but he’s missed two series so far, which suggests his return is unlikely. Kansas City only has four linebackers active behind Hitchens, with Damien Wilson, Ben Niemann, Willie Gay Jr. and Dorian O’Daniel.
LB Anthony Hitchens is questionable to return with a hand injury.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 11, 2020
Starting in Hitchens’ place at MIKE is Niemann, who hasn’t been playing very well. He missed a routine tackle, giving up a long run to Raiders RB Devontae Booker. He followed it up with a horrible play in coverage, where it looked like he was more concerned about getting beat downfield than making a play in coverage.
As for the other two linebacker spots in the base defense, Gay Jr. has been starting at SAM, while Wilson has been starting at WILL for Kansas City.
