Chiefs Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Bills Showdown

The Kansas City Chiefs are navigating a minefield of injuries as they prepare for a crucial Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. While several players are nursing ailments, the statuses of running back Isiah Pacheco and offensive lineman Josh Simmons are casting the biggest shadows over the team’s preparations.

Pacheco and Simmons Miss Practice Again

For the second consecutive day, Isiah Pacheco was sidelined from practice. The starting running back is dealing with a knee injury, reported to be an MCL sprain, that he sustained during last week’s game. His absence is a significant concern for the Chiefs’ offense, which relies heavily on his dynamic running style.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Pacheco’s availability for Sunday. “We tell the guys, everybody be ready when the time comes,” Nagy said on Thursday. “We know what we’re going to do, how we’re going to do it, we’ll have a plan… We trust in all of them.”

If Pacheco is unable to play, the bulk of the workload is expected to fall on veteran running back Kareem Hunt. The Chiefs’ confidence in their depth will be put to the test against a tough Bills defense.

Adding to the offensive line’s worries, offensive tackle Josh Simmons also missed practice for both Wednesday and Thursday due to a personal matter. Simmons has already missed three games and eight consecutive practices, and his return date remains uncertain. His prolonged absence raises questions about the stability of the protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Positive Signs and Other Injuries

There was some positive news for the Chiefs. Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day. Smith is recovering from back spasms that forced him to miss last week’s game. His return would be a major boost for the offensive line.

Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who was absent Wednesday with an illness, returned to practice as a full participant on Thursday, easing concerns about his availability for the weekend.

Other players listed on the report, including linebacker Nick Bolton (knee), defensive end Charles Omenihu (ankle), and running backs Kareem Hunt (ankle) and Brashard Smith (toe), were all full participants in practice on both days. Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee/shoulder) also practiced fully.

Buffalo Bills Injury Update

The Bills are dealing with their own set of injuries. Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf) has not practiced this week, and linebacker Shaq Thompson (hamstring) was downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.

However, Buffalo is expected to get a boost with the likely return of starting linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral), who has been a full participant in practice.

Friday Report and Trade Deadline Loom

The final injury report on Friday will provide much-needed clarity on the status of key players, especially Pacheco. The team’s decisions and the health of its roster will not only impact this pivotal AFC game but could also influence their strategy as the NFL trade deadline approaches. The Chiefs’ front office will be watching closely, ready to make moves if necessary to shore up any positions weakened by injury.