Kansas City Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco returned to practice Wednesday after missing games against the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos because of an MCL sprain.
During the brief portion of practice open to reporters, Pacheco was seen wearing a sizable brace on his right knee.
The Chiefs play host to the Indianapolis Colts in their Week 12 matchup at noon on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Pacheco’s injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 28-7 “Monday Night Football” victory over the Washington Commanders. After Pacheco gained nine yards on an inside run to the right, Commanders cornerback Trey Amos and safety Jeremy Reaves combined for the tackle — with Amos’ right shoulder driving into the side of Pacheco’s knee.
Up to that point in the game, Pacheco had 12 carries for 58 yards as part of 89 touches for 372 yards this season. The timing of Pacheco’s injury was somewhat fortunate, considering the two games he missed sandwiched a bye week.
In his absence, change-of-pace back Kareem Hunt handled the lead role for the Chiefs. Over those two games, Hunt carried the ball 24 times for 108 yards (4.5 per attempt) and two touchdowns, adding two receptions for nine yards.
Kansas City’s training staff has traditionally taken a cautious approach when bringing players back from injury, so Pacheco practicing Wednesday does not guarantee he will play against Indianapolis. The key will be whether he logs at least one full practice designation on the injury report before the end of the week.
Other injury updates
Chiefs starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia missed Wednesday’s practice after suffering a concussion in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Suamataia is doing well. But if he is unable to play against the Colts, veteran Mike Caliendo would be expected to make the start.
Reid added that wide receiver Xavier Worthy tweaked his ankle against the Broncos. While Worthy completed Wednesday’s walkthrough, he was out of practice.
At this stage, it still seems Worthy could be available to play against the Colts.