The Kansas City Chiefs came into this season as the team to beat, and they have answered the call. Kansas City is 9-0 on the season despite being slammed with multiple injuries to key playmakers.

Seven of the nine wins have been by one possession. A clear statement of a championship team. One of the biggest losses was running back Isiah Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2. That landed him on IR, but on Tuesday, head coach Andy Reid revealed he and defensive end Charles Omenihu are designated to return from IR.

Despite this positive development, Reid revealed that Pacheco likely won’t suit up in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.

Chiefs News: Isiah Pacheco Won’t Play in Week 11

Reid added that Pacheco’s 21-day practice window would be opened up on Wednesday but the chances he will play against Buffalo is “unlikely.”

In the long term, it’s great news that the Rutgers product will return to the field in 2024 but in the short term, this isn’t what Chiefs fans want to hear.

This is easier to stomach due to the return of Kareem Hunt. In Pacheco’s absence, Hunt has 449 rushing yards, 116 receiving yards, and five rushing touchdowns. He gives Kansas City the luxury to ease Pacheco back into action.

The Chiefs are preparing for January playoff football. Slow-playing Pacheco’s return is the right approach for the long term.

Buffalo is Kansas City’s biggest threat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, as they own an 8-2 record. It will be a tough matchup but the Chiefs are battle-tested. Patrick Mahomes is 4-3 against Josh Allen head-to-head, with the last win coming in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last year. Kansas City went into Buffalo and won 27-24.

They’ll look to do the same on Sunday.