The Kansas City Chiefs clearly missed Isiah Pacheco in their loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, and they will be without the star running back for at least one more game.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Friday that Pacheco recently underwent a surgical procedure on his right shoulder. He will not play against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Reid said Pacheco “should be back” in Week 16.
Isiah Pacheco had a "clean up" surgery on his right shoulder today & is out for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
"We anticipate getting him back next week," Andy Reid said of Pacheco. "He did the walkthrough with us. He should be back."
Donovan Smith (neck) is also out.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) December 15, 2023
Pacheco is Kansas City’s leading rusher with 779 yards. He also has 33 catches for 209 yards. He has scored 7 touchdowns in 12 games.
The Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent playmaker outside of Travis Kelce since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins last year. Their wide receiver corps has struggled for much of the season, which is why Pacheco is even more valuable to the team.
Kansas City managed just 17 points without Pacheco last week, though a costly mistake from Kadarius Toney likely changed the outcome of the game.
With Pacheco out, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon are expected to share backfield snaps for Kansas City.
The Chiefs are 8-5 and coming off back-to-back losses. They are a heavy favorite on the road against New England.
