Nick Bolton and Jared Wiley Leave Chiefs Training Camp Practice Early, Ride Off in Cart

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton left training camp practice in a cart on Wednesday, but the team later confirmed that Bolton didn't suffer an injury.

Alex Gold of 96.5 The Fan shared the initial update from St. Joseph, Missouri.

"Nick Bolton in the front of the cart. Didn’t see what happened. We’ll have to see after practice."

The team later told reporters that Bolton left with an illness. That sounds unpleasant, but it's much less alarming than any kind of direct injury for the Chiefs' defensive signal-caller.

Third-year tight end Jared Wiley also left practice early on Wednesday, riding in the front of the cart, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Wiley was a fourth-round pick in 2024 and has been battling for a chance to be KC's No. 3 tight end throughout camp. The Chiefs announced that Wiley departed with a strained hamstring, per Taylor.

One other young Chief suffered an issue during Wednesday's practice: rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods has an ankle injury.

Woods was slow to get up after a play, but Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star noted that Woods wouldn't be subbed off the field.

"Marcus Harris attempted to sub in for Peter Woods after this play, but Woods waved him off and insisted on staying in," McDowell shared on Twitter/X.

A great screen pass from Mahomes to Kenneth Walker for a big gain. 🔥💪🏾

Peter Woods goes down briefly at the bottom of your screen, but he worked the next few plays.

🎥 | @Farzin21 pic.twitter.com/EJuwhPVyDa
— Daily Chiefs (@Daily_Chiefs_) August 12, 2026

The story continues below as originally published.

Gold's detail of Bolton's positioning—sitting in the front of the cart—is a positive sign. Typically, a front-of-cart exit implies a less-serious injury (or perhaps even an equipment issue or an otherwise-planned exit).

Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest noted that Bolton played through an injury on Tuesday.

"Bolton banged up his right knee yesterday and appeared in a lot of pain," Derrick wrote. "He did wave off the athletic trainer and stayed in the practice, however."

Bolton plays a vital role in Kansas City's defense, and his $19.25 million cap hit in 2026 is the highest of his career so far. He played 97% of the team's defensive snaps in 2025.

Other Chiefs not practicing on Wednesday

In addition to Wednesday's early exits, the Chiefs were already missing a usual cast of recent absences.

Right guard Trey Smith (hip), linebacker Drue Tranquill (back), cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (knee) and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (PUP, knee) were all sidelined again on Wednesday, according to Derrick.

It's hard to imagine any of those injured players suiting up for the Chiefs' first preseason game on Saturday. With Bolton also taking an early exit, Saturday's game could bring a major opportunity for linebackers Jeffrey Bassa, Cooper McDonald and Jack Cochrane.

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