The Kansas City Chiefs activated running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu on Thursday, and both are expected to play when the Super Bowl champions face the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.
Pacheco, who has been the starting running back for the past three seasons, has been on injured reserve since Week 2 after breaking his right fibula against Cincinnati. He has been practicing for the past few weeks, but the Chiefs took extra care in getting him ready to return to the field.
Before the injury, Pacheco had 34 carries for 135 yards and one touchdown.
After Pacheco got hurt, the Chiefs signed veteran running back Kareem Hunt, who has performed well in Pacheco’s absence. Now, Pacheco and Hunt are expected to work together in the backfield, much like Hunt did in Cleveland with Nick Chubb over the past few seasons.
“The best part about that is you don’t have just one where he’s getting worn down, to where he’s 50 or 60 percent in the third quarter. Now you have two that are working at 100 percent,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “When they’re up and running, we feel pretty strong about who they are and how much they can help us, and we’re excited about it.”
Omenihu has not played since tearing his right ACL in the playoffs last year. However, he was a key player for the Chiefs during the regular season, recording seven sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.
Omenihu’s return should boost the pass rush, which currently ranks near the bottom of the league with only 21 sacks, better than just four other teams.
“Charles’ versatility, going inside and out, adds another level of depth to our defense, especially the D-line,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. “And he’s a pass rusher. It’s always good to get more pass rushers on the field.”
The Chiefs also ruled out backup kicker Spencer Shrader, who had been filling in for injured Harrison Butker. Shrader strained his hamstring earlier in the week, so Matthew Wright will take over kicking duties for the Raiders game.
“We all have trust in him from having been around him,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “So we look forward to welcoming him into the mix. I know guys know him and have made him, I think, feel that way coming back here. Full trust in him.”
Additionally, the Chiefs promoted tight end Anthony Firkser from the practice squad after placing Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve.
“Again, he’s another one that’s coming back to us,” said Reid, referring to Firkser, who played at Harvard. “So we’re familiar with him and kind of what he can do. Obviously a brilliant guy, and we’ve worked him in there, so he’s been getting some reps.”
