Chiefs injury report: Isiah Pacheco misses second straight practice

The Kansas City Chiefs are back at practice this week as they prepare to host their first opponents in nearly a month at Arrowhead Stadium. In Week 14, the visitors are the Buffalo Bills in a very important game for AFC playoff positioning, but the Chiefs are struggling to put together a healthy roster at the moment.

Perhaps the biggest injury news of the moment is the status of lead running back Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco is missing practice on Thursday for the second consecutive day with a shoulder contusion, which puts his status in jeopardy of playing on Sunday afternoon.

Pacheco has had a very interesting week for the Chiefs. He was ejected last Sunday after throwing a punch at Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon during the team's frustrating road loss in Week 13. That move might lead to a fine or even suspension for Pacheco, but that much is yet unknown.

All of this uncertainty comes at a pivotal time for the Chiefs' offense for two primary reasons. First, Pacheco is becoming a more important component for the unit with each passing week. Pacheco has enjoyed his two highest single-game rushing totals this year, including a 110-yard effort last Sunday. Second, the Chiefs' proven options besides Pacheco are extremely limited and not only at running back.

If Pacheco is to miss some time. the Chiefs would be in a real bind in the backfield knowing that Jerick McKinnon has also missed considerable time lately due to a groin injury. Even if McKinnon is back, his age and injury history would likely neuter his ability to move the chains reliably on the ground.

Behind their starting tandem, the Chiefs have former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire to go with developmental players like La'Mical Perine and Deneric Prince. The Chiefs also recently signed Keaontay Ingram away from the Arizona Cardinals to the team's practice squad.

Final details about Pacheco's status will be forthcoming on Friday's final injury report.