Although the Kansas City Chiefs running game has been resurgent in recent weeks, the mounting injury concerns could potentially hinder their success in the playoffs. With key running backs on the injury report, the team's ability to effectively run the ball and maintain offensive balance may be compromised.
Last week, only Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire lined up at running back. Veteran Jerick McKinnon was already out of action with a groin injury after limited practices ahead of the Green Bay Packers matchup. McKinnon remained on Kansas City's injury report, once again with a limited practice due to a groin injury. Yet, the most concerning addition to the report was Pacheco's.
The 2022 seventh-rounder did not practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Andy Reid spoke about the development this week. "As far as injuries go, Pacheco actually came in with a shoulder contusion," Reid said. "We'll see how he works out here. He's going to have that checked, so he won't work out today."
Running backs are among the most battered offensive players in the league, so these sorts of injuries are to be expected. The surprises lessen after rewatching Sunday's game, where Pacheco took several hard hits and delivered plenty of his own. Still, Kansas City's top two running backs appearing on the injury report are hardly inspiring confidence.
That leaves Edwards-Helaire as the only "healthy" running back on the roster. He is having a career-low workload, coinciding with declining impact on a per-touch basis. His 3.5 yards per attempt and 6.3 yards per reception are both career-lows, only adding to his bust status. Kansas City fans cannot feel comfortable with him as the team's only running back at 100% heading into Week 14.
The position's health matters even more due to the Buffalo Bills matchup. Buffalo is struggling this season, but the Chiefs cannot overlook any opponent after losing to a 5-6 Packers squad. The Bills' defense has allowed 4.7 yards per attempt, the fourth-most in the NFL. This presents an opportunity for the Chiefs to exploit the Bills' weakness and potentially gain an advantage through their rushing attack.
If the injuries to the running backs persist, rookie Deneric Prince, who is currently on the practice squad, may be called upon to contribute against the Buffalo Bills. While relatively unknown, Prince has shown promise in practice and could provide a fresh option for the Chiefs' rushing attack.
The Chiefs tempted fate by only playing two running backs against the Packers. That is not a formula for success. With key running backs on the injury report and the Buffalo Bills matchup approaching, the team's ability to effectively run the ball and exploit the Bills' defensive weakness is in question. It is crucial for the Chiefs to closely monitor these injuries and consider their options moving forward.