Just when it looked like the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs couldn't get any scarier, the team released its Week 11 practice report with three key players finally making their way back.
Running back Isiah Pacheco, defensive end Charles Omenihu, and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster were all limited participants in practice on Wednesday ahead of the Chiefs' massive Week 11 matchup in Buffalo against the 8-2 Bills.
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Pacheco and Omenihu are both on injured reserve, while Smith-Schuster has been out for the last month due to a hamstring injury. However, all three are finally back on the practice field and seem to be nearing a return to action.
Omenihu tore his ACL in last year's AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. His return to practice signals he's nearing a return to game action, as his 21-day window has officially opened up for the Chiefs to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Pacheco suffered a fibula fracture in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pacheco was off to a strong start this season, rushing 34 times for 135 yards and a touchdown, but then faced a lengthy recovery.
Pacheco has worked hard to make his return this season and is finally close to getting back into game action.
In the interim, the team signed Kareem Hunt, who's been a great replacement at running back. However, Pacheco and Hunt would form a formidable duo out of the backfield for the back-to-back reigning champs.
While both Omenihu and Pacheco returned to the practice field on Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid acknowledged it was "unlikely" either of them played in the team's Week 11 matchup against the Bills.
Reid said the team will "gradually build them up as we go." Following this Sunday's game against the Bills, the Chiefs play the Carolina Panthers and then the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Pacheco and Omenihu may not play on Sunday, there's a "good chance" Smith-Schuster will, per Reid.
"There's a good chance he's back," Reid said. "We'll see how we go through practice, but if it's up to him, he's back."
Smith-Schuster rejoined the Chiefs this offseason and had a breakout performance in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, catching seven passes for 130 yards. However, Smith-Schuster then hurt his hamstring and hasn't played since.
His return will be a welcome sight for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense, as he adds another dimension to the passing game.
The final practices of the week will provide more of an answer on the statuses of Smith-Schuster, Pacheco, and Omenihu. As of Wednesday, though, it sounds like Smith-Schuster will be back on the field in a battle of AFC powerhouses this Sunday.
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