Chiefs Rule Out Pacheco for Broncos Game

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC West matchup against the Denver Broncos, marking his second consecutive absence due to a knee injury sustained in Week 8. The game, set for 3:25 p.m. Central Time at Empower Field at Mile High, pits the 5-4 Chiefs against the division-leading 8-2 Broncos, who enter on a seven-game winning streak.

Pacheco, a seventh-round pick in 2022, suffered an MCL sprain during the Chiefs' victory over the Washington Commanders on October 27. He sat out the Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills and did not participate in any practices during the team's Week 10 bye or the subsequent Week 11 preparations. Through eight games this season, Pacheco had carried the ball 78 times for 329 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt with one touchdown. He also caught 11 of 17 targets for 43 yards and another score, playing 56.4 percent of the offensive snaps when healthy.

With Pacheco sidelined, Kansas City plans to lean on a committee approach in the backfield. Veteran Kareem Hunt is expected to handle most early-down duties, as he did in Week 9 with 11 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Brashard Smith and Clyde...