As the Chiefs prepare to bounce back from their most recent loss in Green Bay, they will be playing the Buffalo Bills without their main running back. Head coach Andy Reid announced to the media that Isiah Pacheco will not be available for Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury, sidelining him after missing all of the team’s practices this week. Pacheco did leave the field for a short while during last Sunday’s loss, but he later returned to the field only to be ejected in the game’s closing minute.
In his second season, Pacheco has emerged as one of the Chiefs’ most important players, leading the team in rushing yards (779) and touchdowns (66) on 176 carries. His forceful running style has given the offense balance, particularly in times when the passing game has had trouble getting going. Against the Buffalo Bills, whose defense has given up the fourth-most yards per carry in the NFL in 2023 (4.7), this will be sorely missed.
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire is anticipated to play a bigger part in the rushing game now that Pacheco is out. After missing two games with a groin injury, Jerick McKinnon is back and will probably handle the pass-catching responsibilities. He might even split carries with Buffalo.
The Chiefs will be without offensive tackle Donovan Smith, defensive back Bryan Cook, and linebacker Drue Tranquill in addition to Pacheco on Sunday. The Chiefs will have to modify their game plan against the Bills in order to make up for the loss of important players on both sides of the ball.
