Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had surgery + an update on Justyn Ross from Andy Reid
Running back Isiah Pacheco underwent minor shoulder surgery this week and will miss his second straight game when the Chiefs visit the New England Patriots, Kansas City coach Andy Reid said Friday.
The Chiefs and Patriots play at noon Central Time on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
“He’s doing well, moving around good, and we anticipate him getting back next week,” Reid said.
Pacheco was injured during the Chiefs’ Week 13 road game against the Green Bay Packers. He hurt the same shoulder on which he had surgery to repair a torn labrum last offseason.
This week, Pacheco participated in walk-throughs at practice. His 779 rushing yards tops the Chiefs, as do his six rushing and seven total touchdowns.
In last weekend’s game against the Buffalo Bills, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon and wide receiver Kadarius Toney took snaps at running back.
Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick in 2020 and their former starter at the position, led the Chiefs with 39 rushing yards and caught two passes for 29 yards.
McKinnon combined for 37 yards on seven touches, including a 7-yard touchdown run. Toney rushed twice for 16 yards, including a 14-yard gain.
Also ruled out for Sunday’s game is Chiefs tackle Donovan Smith — he’s nursing a neck injury. Rookie Wanya Morris will make his second start in Smith’s place.
Safety Mike Edwards, who missed practice earlier this week with an illness, returned to workouts Friday and is expected to play Sunday.
Reid also said wide receiver Justyn Ross looked good in practice this week. But Ross will remain on the exempt list, and is thus unavailable to play against the Patriots.
Ross had been on the Commissioner Exempt List since October, serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
“It was good for him to get out there and work,” Reid said. “He did all the scout-team reps.”
Ross was arrested on Oct. 23 on two misdemeanor charges of criminal damage of less than $1,000 and domestic battery with no priors. He pleaded not guilty to both charges during his arraignment and was released on $2,500 bond.