Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed what many observers and fans already suspected, which was that running back Isiah Pacheco will miss Sunday’s AFC title game rematch against the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury.
Specifically, the injury was described as an MCL sprain during the week when Pacheco was held out of multiple practices. According to Reid, Pacheco tried to talk Reid into letting him back in the game when he sustained the injury during Kansas City’s 28-7 win over the Washington Commanders, but Reid held firm and kept the running back out.
The move leaves the Chiefs decidedly thin at the position, with running backs Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith left as the two primary options. Hunt has put in for a larger workload, saying his body feels better than it has for years, but Reid is unlikely to go that route given Hunt’s current role as a short yardage/complementary back and the fact that he’s 30.
Smith could play a larger role in Buffalo, but this is likely a game-planning decision. The Chiefs tried him out as a primary back in the latter stages of their 31-0 blowout win against the Raiders, and Smith fared well, but that’s a lot different than playing a big role against the Bills in a an important road game. Running back Elijah Mitchell could also be an option, but he’s basically a depth piece given that he’s been recovering from the hamstring tear he sustained with the San Francisco 49ers.
One possible tactic would be to use receiver Rashee Rice as a complementary option. The Chiefs have already been featuring Rice in quick shovel passes that are basically de facto running plays, and Rice would certainly be up for the extra action given the enthusiasm he’s displayed since returning from his six-game suspension.
The good news to go with Pacheco being out is that the Bills have some injury issues of their own on defense, with defensive tackle Ed Oliver now almost certain to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a torn bicep.
Given Reid’s tendencies, though, it seems just as likely that he’ll rely on the short passing game as his offensive foundation in this one, especially given that the Chiefs now have a full stable of impressive wide receivers on hand. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been committed to taking more downfield shots, especially lately given the weapons he now has, and this game could easily turn into yet another track meet between these two AFC rivals.
The trade deadline is up after that on Tuesday, so next week could be a very different story. The Chiefs’ interest in a running back has been the subject of rumors for weeks now, and it’s hard to imagine Kansas City not picking up a depth piece at the very least.