The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into Week 11 with higher stakes than ever! They will clash with the Broncos, who are ruling the AFC West with an 8-2 record. But there’s one big question hanging over the team—will Isiah Pacheco play on Sunday? He has been MIA for the past two weeks, right after the Chiefs’ bye week. Guess what? An NFL doctor just revealed when we could see Pacheco back on the field. 

“There’s a chance Pacheco needs another week to heal,” NFL injury expert Jesse Morse wrote on X.

His tweet came in response to Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen, who shared head coach Andy Reid’s latest update on Pacheco. On Sunday, Andy said he’ll have to “see on Pacheco,” while confirming that the RB won’t be practicing ahead of the next matchup on November 17. While it’s disappointing news for the Chiefs fans, the team might be playing it safe with Isiah’s recovery.

So far, he had played eight games before the injury put him on the sidelines. In the Week 8 clash against the Commanders, Isiah Pacheco badly hurt his knee in the last quarter. The crowd saw him walking off the field, but he never returned. Later, tests confirmed a sprained MCL, and the Chiefs officially labeled him “week-to-week,” suggesting a longer recovery period.

Further, the seventh-round pick didn’t play in the Week 9 matchup against the Bills, right before the team’s bye. It offered Isiah Pacheco much-needed downtime to heal and gear up for this week. But honestly, it’s unrealistic to expect him to bounce back as the usual recovery window for MCL sprains is 4 to 6 weeks.

It’s understandable for the running back to take some additional time off as he recovers. Meanwhile, his team has a challenging matchup ahead. If Denver can defeat Kansas City, they’ll secure a four-game lead and assert their dominance in the division. Additionally, Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto openly discussed the Chiefs’ longstanding dominance in the league.

Isiah Pacheco Out, Bonitto eyes Mahomes and divisional dominance

For nearly a decade, the Chiefs have ruled the AFC West. But could it change this season? Nik thinks it’s possible if the team can keep its momentum and face the seven-time divisional champions head-on. His words capture the sentiment of Denver’s locker room, which is likely about dethroning their long-time rivals.

Kansas City has asserted its dominance throughout by refusing to give an inch of ground to its opponents. It’s a strategy quarterback Patrick Mahomes embodies better than anyone on the squad. But this very mentality could make Bonitto and other pass rushers target him more intensely. Nik understands the gravity of the situation, but he comes prepared. 

“We’re trying to keep our lead in the division, and they’re trying to keep stacking wins to get up there. So, it’s going to be a big game for both teams, and I know we’re going to have a good little game plan, and be really excited for them actually.” 

Also, the rusher can’t wait to meet Patrick on the field, for he’s the “best” in the league. 

“Oh yeah, I mean, that’s the guy that everyone looks to when it comes to sacking the quarterback… I mean, he’s one of the best in our game. So for sure—gonna be excited.”

As Denver braces itself to beat Kansas City, all eyes are on its game plan for the big night.