KC Chiefs’ injury report lightens up as 3 return to practice ahead of Bills game
The number of Chiefs players participating in practice grew by three Wednesday.
Running back Isiah Pacheco, defensive end Charles Omenihu and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster worked out at the team’s indoor practice facility as the Chiefs prepared for Sunday’s NFL road game against the Buffalo Bills.
KC coach Andy Reid said it was “unlikely” that Pacheco or Omenihu would play this weekend, however.
“We’ll just gradually build them up as we go,” the coach said.
But Smith-Schuster, who hasn’t played since the Chiefs’ Week 7 win at San Francisco after aggravating a hamstring injury, is expected back on the field against the Bills.
Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in last season’s AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens and hasn’t played this season. He recorded seven sacks in 11 games last season and his return would strengthen KC’s pass-rushing rotation.
Pacheco, the Chiefs’ leading rusher the past two seasons, has been on the injured reserve list since early in the season with a broken fibula.
After Pacheco was hurt, the Chiefs signed free-agent running back Kareem Hunt, who spent his first two seasons in Kansas City.
Hunt has averaged 78.6 rushing yards per game over six contests in relief of Pacheco. But Hunt said he’s looking forward to working with Pacheco once he returns.
“I’m happy for him,” Hunt said. “I know he’s excited to get back and it’s going to be a heck of a 1-2 punch.”
Smith-Schuster played with the Chiefs in 2022 and returned to the team after spending last season with the New England Patriots. He had nine receptions and a touchdown in six games before the injury.
The Chiefs have battled injuries all season. They aren’t expected to have cornerback Jaylen Watson (ankle) or star wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) back this year. But there is a possibility that receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown — an offseason signing — could return later in the season.