The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to rebound from their recent defeat in Green Bay, but they’ll be facing the Buffalo Bills without their primary running back. Head coach Andy Reid informed the press that Isiah Pacheco won’t be available for Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury, sidelining him after missing all practices during the week. Although Pacheco briefly left the field in last Sunday’s loss, he later returned, only to be ejected in the final minute of the game.
Pacheco, in his second year, has been a key force for the Chiefs, leading the team with 779 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 176 carries. His robust running style has provided balance to the offense, especially when the passing game has struggled to find its rhythm. This will be sorely missed against the Buffalo Bills, whose defense has allowed the fourth-most yards per carry in the NFL in 2023 at 4.7.
With Pacheco sidelined, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to take on a more prominent role in the rushing game. Jerick McKinnon, returning after missing two games due to a groin injury, will likely handle the pass-catching duties and could share carries against Buffalo.
In addition to Pacheco, the Chiefs will be without linebacker Drue Tranquill, defensive back Bryan Cook, and offensive tackle Donovan Smith for Sunday’s matchup. As they face the Bills, the Chiefs will need to adjust their strategy to compensate for the absence of key players on both sides of the ball.
