3S. The Chiefs sent shockwaves through the NFL this morning with a final Week 12 update that fans had been refreshing nonstop for: the official decision on Isiah Pacheco. After days of uncertainty, conflicting reports, and growing tension inside Chiefs Kingdom, Kansas City finally broke the silence — and the reaction was immediate. Coaches had been tight-lipped all week, calling Pacheco’s status “day-to-day,” but insiders hinted the staff was bracing for a tough call. Now, the verdict is out, and it’s already dominating every NFL discussion thread. Analysts are scrambling, fantasy leagues are melting down, and even Patrick Mahomes weighed in with a subtle but telling comment after practice.

As Week 12 of the NFL season continues, the Kansas City Chiefs have a big-time outing looming. Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts will change the trajectory of the season either way, and everyone understands that significance.

Entering the game, Kansas City has some injury situations to monitor. On the offensive side of the ball, three players stand out.

Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, head coach Andy Reid provided updates on running back Isiah Pacheco, left guard Kingsley Suamataia and wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

Andy Reid Rules Out RB Isiah Pacheco for Chiefs vs. Colts

Unfortunately, Reid kicked off his media availability on a low note. He says Pacheco won’t suit up on Sunday against the Colts.

“As far as the injuries go, everybody practiced today,” Reid said. “We’re going to end up listing Pacheco as out here in a minute.”

When asked whether his fourth-year halfback suffered a setback, Reid shot down that possibility.

“No, it wasn’t a setback,” Reid said. “We were just kind of seeing where he was at. Trying to give him some work. He did some scout team stuff and running around — it was literally just to see where he was at. And I think he’s coming out feeling pretty good right now, so that’s a plus.”

Pacheco, who suffered an MCL sprain in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, has missed the last two games. He wound up returning to practice this week, working in full capacity on Wednesday but being downgraded to limited action on Thursday.

In eight games this season, Pacheco has 78 carries for 329 yards and a touchdown. The former seventh-round pick will be replaced by Kareem Hunt, rookie Brashard Smith and perhaps Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Elijah Mitchell in Week 12.

UPDATE: Per the Chiefs, Pacheco is confirmed out for Sunday. Suamataia and Worthy are questionable.

Kansas City Optimistic About Kingsley Suamataia & Xavier Worthy for Week 12

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Reid continued his injury update by providing some good news. Suamataia got a vote of confidence for his work on Friday, and Worthy received more of the same.

“Kingsley did OK,” Reid began. “Now they’re still doing all their stuff, so I’ve got to wait for that, but it looked like he did OK today. Xavier did a nice job too, he practiced today.”

Suamataia, last year’s second-round pick, suffered a concussion in Week 11’s 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. He hit his head on the turf after attempting a tackle on an interception attempt, later being ruled out for the remainder of the game. Veteran backup Mike Caliendo relieved him on Sunday, logging 20 snaps.

As is always the case, no two head injuries are the exact same. It was virtually impossible to predict how Suamataia would recover — or how quickly — so him making progress is huge for the Chiefs. The sophomore guard went from not participating in Wednesday’s practice to a limited participant on Thursday.

Worthy, who has already sustained a dislocated shoulder this year, has a nagging ankle ailment. He hasn’t missed any games due to the latter issue, although he has appeared hampered by it sometimes during live action. The 28th overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft has played 209 offensive snaps in his last four contests, good for 74.6% of those available.

It’s far from a perfect set of circumstances, but no team is truly 100% healthy at this late stage of the season.