Counting down the Chiefs biggest injury concerns down the stretch

At this stage of the regular season, every single NFL player is likely dealing with some sort of lingering issue physically. Bodies are sore. Players are tired. Fatigue sets in and the rigors of a long, long season become very real when adrenaline can only compensate so much.

Generally at this stage, a team's training staff is working overtime to keep the roster healthy and competitive and that's likely true for the Kansas City Chiefs as well. Just last week, the team had 12 players listed on the injury report for one reason or another—even if most of them were able to go against the New England Patriots.

With three regular-season games left and then a hopefully deep playoff run, what are the areas that are the most concerning at this point when it comes to injuries? Here are the ones that make us uncomfortable knowing the road ahead.

1. Running Back

Any primary worries about the Kansas City Chiefs' injuries at this point can be found in the offensive backfield at this point of the season with the loss of Isiah Pacheco for the last couple of games and the word that he recently underwent a second surgery in this calendar year to "clean up" some lingering issues there.

The loss of Pacheco removes one of the most exciting (and consistent) offensive weapons in the Chiefs' arsenal this season. In a year where wideouts like Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kadarius Toney have failed to live up to the weight of expectations, the Chiefs have asked Pacheco to become a multi-faceted weapon and he's answered the call.

After an impressive rookie campaign in which he locked down the lead back job by season's end as a seventh-round pick, the Chiefs have asked him for 16 more rushing yards and 10 more receiving yards per game—giving him an average of 82 yards from scrimmage each week for the Chiefs.

Combine Pacheco's surgery/injury news with the loss of Jerick McKinnon for part of this season as well due to a lingering groin injury that still has him listed on the injury report and you have a very thin backfield.

The good news here is that Clyde Edwards-Helaire stepped up and had a banner day for the Chiefs in their win over the Patriots last week and his presence keeps the talent from falling off a cliff. However, the depth chart looks very thin at this stage and the team is much better when Pacheco is available leading the full cadre of talent—especially given the varied strengths of all parties involved.