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Will Chiefs' Isiah Pacheco Play vs. Panthers?
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to avoid suffering their second-straight loss when they face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Despite their 9-1 record and current position at the top of the AFC, the Chiefs have struggled with injuries throughout the season. Prior to Week 11, Kansas City took two of their injured starters, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, off injured reserve.

After over a week of limited practice, many fans hoped that both players would be ready to return against Carolina. However, it seems neither player is ready to return yet, as coach Andy Reid confirmed that they will both be inactive against the Panthers.

Pacheco has been out since Week 2 with a fractured fibula. Earlier in the week, Reid spoke about the energy he has brought to his recovery.

"He's a spark plug, emotionally," Reid said. "He's something that way, and he's worked his tail off to get to the point that he's at now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would've played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that's sometimes how it goes. I appreciate that, though, that mentality. That's what's helped him get to this point."

With Pacheco out another week, the Chiefs will turn to Kareem Hunt to carry the run game once again.

Meanwhile, Omenihu has been out since the AFC Championship in January with a torn ACL. With the severity of his injury, the team has taken his recovery slowly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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