The Kansas City Chiefs will be without two starters on offense for the second consecutive week. Running back Isiah Pacheco and left tackle Donovan Smith are ruled out for this Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots as they continue to deal with injuries from Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers.
During his Friday press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced the players’ status as he explained that Pacheco had surgery to clean up things in his bothersome shoulder.
“We’ve got a couple of guys that are out (Isiah) Pacheco and Donovan Smith. Pacheco had surgery on his shoulder and had some things taken out that were floaters in there. And but he’s doing well,” said Reid, “So he’s moving around well, and I anticipate getting him back next week.”
Isiah Pacheco and Donovan Smith are out for Sunday's game.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 15, 2023
Pacheco’s procedure sounds promising, and the running back could potentially return to the lineup in Week 16, “There were some things floating around in there,” said Reid regarding the reason behind Pacheco’s surgery. The status of Smith following his neck stinger is still being evaluated, so there remains no official timetable for his return as rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris is expected to continue to start in his place.
Chiefs safety Mike Edwards, who missed practice while dealing with an illness, returned on Friday, increasing the likelihood that he will be available this Sunday.
