Running back is still not cleared to return to NFL action.
The Chiefs will be missing standout running back Isiah Pacheco for their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers.
Pacheco, who has 34 carries for 135 yards this season, fractured his right fibula in a Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In Pacheco’s absence, the Chiefs turned to former running back Kareem Hunt, who has been effective in the job so far this season. Pacheco’s eventual return, however, would be a nice boost to the Chiefs’ offense as they seek a third Vince Lombardi Trophy in a row.
Chiefs had hoped Pacheco was close to a return
While the Chiefs had given Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu a 21-day window last week, head coach Andy Reid swiftly ruled both players out of the game against the Buffalo Bills.
Reid stated Friday that neither player would be available for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Omenihu, who is still rehabbing from an ACL damage sustained during the AFC Championship game, is on the physically unable to perform list.
In addition to Pacheco and Omenihu’s absences, wide receiver Hollywood Brown will skip practice.
Brown, who sparked rumors with a clock emoji on Twitter, has been rehabilitating from a dislocated sternoclavicular joint sustained in a preseason injury that needed hospitalization. Reid provided reporters with an update on Brown’s progress.
“He’s making very good progress, but I can’t tell you when he’ll be back,” Reid told the gathered media.
As the Chiefs seek to bounce from their loss to the Bills, they will need to find ways to adjust without numerous important players if they are to pursue another Super Bowl win.
Given Pacheco’s importance to his team’s dynamic offense, Reid’s efforts to find answers within his current roster will be significant.
