Latest on Chiefs’ RB status for Week 13

On By Littum

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After losing their first game of the season to Buffalo Bills in Week 11the Kansas City Chiefs barely made it past Carolina Panthers 30-27 last sunday on the road.

Kansas City enjoyed one of its best days on the ground with 165 rushing yards against Carolina despite the close finish. Kareem Hunt led the way with 68 yards on 16 carries and Patrick Mahomes added another 60 yards on five scrambles.

Even with that high number, Kansas City ranks 18th in the league in rushing this season. The bosses have had to work with Hunt, Carson Steeleand Samaje Perine at the running back position after a serious leg injury to last year’s leading rusher, Isiah Pacheco.

Pacheco was designated to return from injured reserve two weeks ago, opening a 21-day window for him to play for the Chiefs. He initially appeared to play against Carolina, but was eventually held out of the game.

Here’s the latest on his status this week as the Chiefs return home to host Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

Is Isiah Pacheco playing this week?

Yes. Kansas City coach Andy Reid confirmed Wednesday that Pacheco will be back in the lineup against the Raiders, barring significant setbacks.

Pacheco was in full swing at practice last week and was a full participant again on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the team’s Friday game. Kansas City also expects defensive lineman Charles Omenihu back from injury for this week’s game too.

Isiah Pacheco injury

Pacheco was injured in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals on a 1-yard carry on the final drive of the game. He was pinned by three Bengals defenders, and Steele closed out the game at running back for the Chiefs.

Pacheco was later seen on crutches and in a walking boot.

He was later diagnosed with a broken fibula, which typically takes between four and eight weeks to heal. His 10-week layoff is slightly longer than expected, suggesting it was a serious break.

Chiefs RB depth chart

Hunt has been the primary ball carrier out of the backfield for the Chiefs since Pacheco’s injury. Here’s what the depth chart has looked like with him out:

One of those players will likely be demoted to the practice squad with Pacheco’s return, likely Edwards-Helaire. Keaontay Ingram is currently the only running back signed to the practice squad at the time of publication.

How to watch Chiefs-Raiders on Black Friday

Due to Thanksgiving removing its usual “Thursday Night Football” broadcast, Amazon Prime will broadcast the game between Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

  • Date: Friday 29 Nov
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • Current: Amazon Prime
  • Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)

Stream NFL football with Amazon Prime Video