Anthony Hitchens placed on Chiefs COVID-19/reserve list

The Chiefs have placed linebacker Anthony Hitchens on the COVID/reserve list.

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed another player to the COVID-19/reserve list this season with the news that linebacker Anthony Hitchens has landed there, per NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.

Nothing more is known at this time about Hitchens’ symptoms—if there are any at all—or where he could have potentially contracted the virus.

Hitchens is arguably the Chiefs best overall linebacker and has put together a solid season for the Chiefs in the heart of the defense. He ranks second on the team in total tackles with 78 (just behind safety Daniel Sorensen) with 4 quarterback hits, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass deflection in 14 starts.

The Chiefs have placed a handful of players on the COVID/reserve list throughout this season, beginning with former developmental quarterback Jordan Ta’amu before Week 4. Since then, the team has also placed fullback Anthony Sherman on the list as well as wide receiver Mecole Hardman and offensive linemen Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz.

Hitchens is in his third season with the Chiefs after coming over from the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. He was one of general manager Brett Veach’s first big moves after signing a five-year, $45 million contract in the spring of 2018.

If Hitchens is unable to play for the Chiefs in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, the Chiefs could be down two starting linebackers. Damien Wilson has also missed time lately due to a knee injury that has forced him to miss two games. The team will likely lean very heavily on Willie Gay, Jr. without Hitchens in the lineup—if it comes to that.