Latest Nick Bolton injury update is everything Chiefs fans didn't want to hear

Training camp brings renewed optimism, but it also helps a bunch of frightening injuries spring up to give the fanbase heart palpitations. The Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with a fairly significant knock sustained by defensive leader and starting inside linebacker Nick Bolton.

In his first two seasons in the pros, Bolton was a pillar of consistency. He missed just one game, amassed over 110 tackles twice, and was one of Kansas City's best defensive players in their Super Bowl win over the Eagles. Alongside Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal, the Chiefs figure to have one of the best linebacking corps in the league.

That positive momentum came to a screeching halt at the most recent Chiefs practice, as Bolton was carted off the field. He held his left arm after tackling wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Fans will remember that his dislocated wrist from last year was also on his left arm.

Chiefs trainers were looking at Bolton's left elbow before he left practice. Head coach Andy Reid said that Bolton "tweaked" that elbow. While this doesn't sound like anything too concerning in the early stages of training camp, it is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

Kansas City Chiefs LB Nick Bolton leaves practice with elbow injury

Steve Spagnuolo's defense asks a lot from his linebackers, and Bolton has been able to answer the call since the second he arrived in the pros. With speed, toughness, and the ability to flatten ball carriers, it's not unreasonable to assume Bolton could be in line for a Pro Bowl season if his body holds up.

This injury comes right after Kansas City parted ways with linebacker Willie Gay in the offseason, as he is now a member of the New Orleans Saints. Backups Cam Jones and Jack Cochrane will likely need to play elevated roles alongside the starters in the event Bolton were to hypothetically miss games.

While it's better to be safe than sorry, and Bolton's injury may not be as bad as it seems, Chiefs fans never want to see a player of his caliber go down this early in training camp. A healthy Bolton remains one of the biggest X-factors in Kansas City's quest for three rings in a row.