The Kansas City Chiefs are already the top team in the NFL, and they’re getting healthier at the right time.
On Tuesday, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported the Chiefs are planning on taking starting running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (knee) off injured reserve this week.
On Monday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t provide a concrete timeline. Still, he signaled Pacheco, Omenihu and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster could return soon (Smith-Schuster has missed three games with a hamstring issue).
“Listen, I think they’re all close,” Reid told the media. “I would probably tell you that JuJu [is] closer than the other two, but I would tell you that we might have them out there. We’ll just see how it goes today and tomorrow. They’re very close, all three of them.”
Whenever Pacheco returns to the lineup, he should boost the Chiefs. Before fracturing his fibula in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the third-year RB averaged career highs in carries (17) and rushing yards (67.5) per game.
Kareem Hunt has assumed starting RB duties during Pacheco’s absence and looked solid. The former Pro Bowler has rushed for 449 yards and five TDs on 125 carries in six games. Perhaps Pacheco and Hunt could form a dynamic backfield tandem.
A healthy Pacheco could play a pivotal role in the playoffs. In a 38-35 Super LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, he ran for 76 yards and one TD on 15 carries despite dealing with a broken hand and torn labrum. Last postseason, he finished with the most rushing yards (313 in four games).
The defending champions are in a great position after a 9-0 start. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chiefs as Super Bowl LIX favorites (+420). Pacheco’s return should increase those strong odds.
