Heading into Week 9 and the Week 10 bye, it was reported that Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was expected to return in Week 11 versus the Denver Broncos, but the latest injury update appears to confirm a recent fear that KC’s RB1 could potentially miss this key divisional matchup.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was awfully cryptic about the status of Pacheco on Monday, November 10, and rumors that the energetic playmaker may not be ready were proven accurate on November 12.
While addressing the media on Wednesday, Reid immediately announced that Pacheco (knee) would not participate in practice. Later, the Chiefs’ social media team posted confirmation of this “DNP” status, noting that star defensive end George Karlaftis (thumb) was also “limited” on November 12.
Pacheco is the bigger concern at this stage. Dealing with what was reported as an “MCL sprain,” Pacheco is now in danger of missing his second straight game and third straight week, if you include the bye.
The dismissive nature of the Chiefs ball carrier’s practice status also suggests that he’s not particularly close to retaking the field, at least not for Week 11 against the Broncos.
Perhaps the Week 12 home matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts is more realistic.
Chiefs Have Leaned on Kareem Hunt With Isiah Pacheco Sidelined
GettyThe Kansas City Chiefs could start Kareem Hunt at running back again in Week 11.
The expectation was that rookie Brashard Smith might get some more usage with Pacheco sidelined, but that wasn’t really the case in Week 9.
Smith received 12 offensive snaps against the Buffalo Bills — his third-highest snap count of the year. However, this level of involvement was comparable to most weeks of his rookie campaign.
The explosive seventh-rounder was also largely unimpactful in Buffalo. He ran the ball 3 times for a minuscule yards per carry of 2.3, and his only target was an incomplete pass.
Instead, the Chiefs leaned on veteran staff favorite Kareem Hunt, while also calling upon practice squad RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Hunt is the clear lead back without Pacheco in the mix, but Edwards-Helaire was a surprise elevation that worked in for 2 carries and 5 rushing yards.
In the end, it was Hunt who became the bell cow in Week 9. Kansas City utilized Hunt on 78.3% of offensive snaps, which equated to 47 snaps.
He also ran the ball for 4.5 yards per carry and 1 touchdown, while catching 1-of-2 targets for 6 yards. It was Hunt’s third touchdown in two games and his sixth TD of the 2025 season.
Chiefs’ Week 11 Pacheco Injury Update Is Not Final
While Wednesday’s missed practice certainly isn’t a good sign, it also isn’t a final injury designation. That won’t come until Friday, as the Chiefs post their third injury report of Week 11.
To flip the script and suit up on Sunday, Pacheco would likely have to at least log a limited practice on Thursday, November 13, or Friday, November 14. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll surely be ruled out before we hit the weekend.
Of course, if Pacheco can get himself back onto the practice field in any capacity, it not only gives him a chance to play versus the Broncos but also improves his Week 12 outlook.
Fans have expressed concerns that Pacheco’s injury will linger into the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day matchup. And until he gets himself back on the practice field, there is no way to disprove those concerns as invalid.
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