As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a key Week 11 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos, head coach Andy Reid’s recent comments have sparked concern regarding running back Isiah Pacheco’s health status.
When asked whether Pacheco would return to practice this week, Reid’s response was notably uncertain:
“I’ll have to see on Pacheco,” he told reporters.
The tone was noticeably different compared to his optimism about right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who Reid said would “probably be okay” to practice.
Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star picked up on the same cautious tone on November 10, noting:
“Reid hinted that RB Isiah Pacheco (knee) might need additional recovery time, while RT Jawaan Taylor (ankle) was feeling better after returning from Buffalo.”
Initially, Pacheco’s knee issue was believed to be minor, and with the Chiefs’ bye week following Week 9, most expected him to be fully healthy by now. His continued absence from practice, however, is an unwelcome surprise for Kansas City fans.
Pacheco previously missed nine consecutive games in 2024 due to injury and struggled to regain his form upon returning. The hope now is that this latest setback doesn’t become another long-term problem.
Chiefs’ Trade Deadline Choice Faces Scrutiny After Latest Update
This latest update on Pacheco has also reignited discussion about the Chiefs’ trade deadline strategy.
Reports from multiple NFL insiders revealed that general manager Brett Veach explored acquiring New York Jets star running back Breece Hall. According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Jets were asking for a third-round pick, while Kansas City countered with a fourth-rounder — an offer New York declined.
While that deal never materialized, it’s unclear how many other running backs the Chiefs pursued. Still, some fans now view the front office’s inactivity as a missed opportunity.
One fan commented under Sweeney’s report:
“If Pacheco really ‘needs more time,’ then not giving up a third for Hall looks like a huge mistake.”
Another added:
“Even if Pacheco came back, he’s one bad hit away from re-injuring that knee — we should’ve made the deal.”
A more pessimistic fan speculated:
“Reading between the lines, sounds like Pacheco will miss this week, maybe return against Indy, but most likely not until Thanksgiving versus Dallas.”
Clearly, frustration is mounting among Chiefs fans over what now appears to be a costly trade decision.
Edwards-Helaire Retains Chiefs’ Trust Over Elijah Mitchell
With Pacheco sidelined in Week 10, Kansas City turned to Clyde Edwards-Helaire, elevating him from the practice squad instead of giving Elijah Mitchell more opportunities.
Reid explained that familiarity and reliability were the main reasons behind the move:
“Clyde knows all the protections — and not only does he know them, he’s executed them before. There’s a comfort level there,” the coach said Monday.
He added that Mitchell is “a sharp kid,” but experience clearly tipped the scales toward Edwards-Helaire.
“We’ve seen Clyde do it before,” Reid concluded. “That was the only reason why.”
If Pacheco remains unavailable heading into Week 11, it appears Edwards-Helaire will once again be called upon to carry the load for Kansas City.
