The Kansas City Chiefs’ early Week 13 “estimated” injury report gave fans a little scare on November 24, as wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy were listed as “limited” participants for the scheduled rest day, but it appears both will most likely play against the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Andy Reid spoke on November 25, and although he didn’t quite guarantee the pair of playmakers’ Week 13 game statuses, he came pretty close to doing so.
“Yeah, I mean, it was an [estimated report] — Yeah. I think they’ll be… I think they’ll be alright,” Reid replied, after a reporter asked the coach if he expects Rice (hamstring) and Worthy (ankle) to play on Thanksgiving.
In typical Andy Reid fashion, the Chiefs HC added that “we’ll see how it all rolls.”
However, his response was notably optimistic for a head coach who normally keeps injury information close to the vest. Linebacker Leo Chenal (knee) — another “limited” participant on the November 24 report — was also included in this question and is now expected to play, along with Rice and Worthy.
Andy Reid Confirms Injury Return of Isiah Pacheco for Week 13 vs. Cowboys
GettyThe Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have both running back Isiah Pacheco (left) and wide receiver Xavier Worthy (right) available in Week 13.
The good news kept coming on November 25, as Reid confirmed that running back Isiah Pacheco will return in Week 13. This was reported late last night on November 24, but it’s still great to hear the Chiefs’ HC say the words himself.
“Well, let’s see how he does today, but then we’ll get him in there and — he’ll play,” Reid noted, when asked about Pacheco’s potential workload in his first game back.
“How much [he’ll play], I can’t tell you that right now,” he added. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Reid also confirmed that new running back Dameon Pierce’s immediate job will be to learn the offense and the system, as expected. It’s unlikely Pierce is elevated from the practice squad this week or anytime soon, especially with Pacheco returning.
In other news, right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and tight end Noah Gray (concussion) did not practice on November 25, per Reid. Neither is expected to suit up against the Cowboys, although the Chiefs’ head coach wasn’t willing to rule either out just yet.
Chiefs Having Rashee Rice & Xavier Worthy Is Integral as They Try & Keep Up With High-Octane Offense
Having Rice and Worthy cannot be understated in any week, but their presence will be particularly important against the Cowboys.
The Dallas defense has been playing better since the trade deadline, adding superstar defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and veteran linebacker Logan Wilson. Simultaneously, they’ve also been getting healthier on the defensive side of the ball.
With that in mind, the Chiefs putting points on the board and keeping up with Dak Prescott on this high-octane Cowboys offense will be paramount in Week 13.
Dallas has two elite-level wide receivers of their own in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, not to mention a tight end (Jake Ferguson) who is up there with the best in the sport, and a running back (Javonte Williams) who is having a career year.
Kansas City definitely doesn’t want to get into a shootout on Turkey Day, but if they do, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will need his full complement of weapons, too. Get ready for some must-watch television in Week 13.
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