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Chiefs Announce Last-Minute Decision Before Broncos Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will look to avoid a two-game losing streak in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season, coming off a bye to face Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on the road. The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, dropping them to 5-4 on the year.

Isiah Pacheco has been the Chiefs’ lead running back this season, tallying team highs of 78 carries and 329 rushing yards, along with one touchdown on the ground. But in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, Pacheco suffered an MCL sprain, which kept him out against the Bills and will sideline him again against the Broncos. Kareem Hunt is expected to handle most of the backfield snaps on Sunday, but another running back will be getting his first opportunity with Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs running backs Elijah Mitchell (25) and Kareem Hunt (29).Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Elijah Mitchell, after spending his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, joined the Chiefs in the offseason on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. But Mitchell, who has more than 1,500 career rushing yards, is coming off a 2024 season in which he did not play because of a hamstring injury. He had yet to be activated by Kansas City through its first nine games.

But with Pacheco out in the AFC West showdown between the Chiefs and Broncos, Mitchell will be getting his first chance with Kansas City, not listed as a healthy scratch for the first time this year. Chiefs inactives include cornerback Joshua Williams, wideout Jalen Royals, tight end Jared Wiley and offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad.

"Our inactives for Week 11 against the Broncos," the Chiefs wrote on X.