Chiefs Set to Welcome Back Key Players Pacheco and Omenihu for Raiders Clash
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a pivotal AFC West showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders this Friday, and they’re bringing some heavy reinforcements. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday that the team plans to activate running back Isiah Pacheco from the injured reserve list and defensive end Charles Omenihu from the physically unable to perform list. Both players are expected to suit up, provided they clear final evaluations.
“As long as they’re OK, we’ll play them,” Reid said. “We’ll check on it again today, try to take it day-by-day. If they’re good after today, then we’ll play them.”
Pacheco’s Return: A Boost to the Ground Game
For Chiefs fans, the return of Pacheco is a major storyline. The second-year running back has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s rushing attack, leading the team in rushing yards for the past two seasons. Pacheco has been sidelined since early in the season with a broken leg, but his impact on the field is undeniable. As a rookie in 2022, he rushed for 830 yards, and he followed that up with 935 yards last season. Even in limited action this year, Pacheco managed to rack up 135 rushing yards in just two games.
In his absence, veteran Kareem Hunt has stepped up as the Chiefs’ featured back. Hunt has been solid, leading the team with 577 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns, the second-most on the team. However, the return of Pacheco adds another dimension to the Chiefs’ offense, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes a dynamic weapon in the backfield.
Omenihu’s Comeback: Reinforcing the Pass Rush
On the defensive side, Omenihu’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The defensive end has been out of action since tearing his ACL in last season’s AFC Championship Game. In 2023, his first year with the Chiefs, Omenihu was a force to be reckoned with, recording seven sacks in just 11 games. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will be a welcome addition to a defensive line that already features stars like Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and newly acquired Joshua Uche.
With Omenihu back in the mix, the Chiefs’ pass rush becomes even more formidable. This could spell trouble for Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who will need to navigate a relentless Kansas City defense.
Kicking Woes Continue for Kansas City
While the Chiefs are getting healthier in some areas, their kicking game remains a concern. Rookie kicker Spencer Shrader, who nailed the game-winning field goal last week against the Carolina Panthers, is out with a hamstring injury. Shrader’s absence leaves the Chiefs without their top two kickers, as regular starter Harrison Butker is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
To fill the void, the Chiefs have signed Matthew Wright to the practice squad. Wright is no stranger to Kansas City, having briefly kicked for the team in 2022. While he’s a capable replacement, the Chiefs will undoubtedly miss the consistency of Butker and the momentum Shrader brought with his clutch performance last week.
What to Watch For
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Raiders, here are a few key storylines to keep an eye on:
- Pacheco’s Impact: How will the young running back perform in his first game back from injury? Will he reclaim his role as the team’s primary rusher, or will Hunt continue to share the workload?
- Omenihu’s Return: Can the defensive end pick up where he left off last season and provide a spark to the Chiefs’ pass rush?
- Kicking Concerns: Will Matthew Wright step up in a high-pressure situation, or will the Chiefs’ kicking woes come back to haunt them?
With the AFC playoff race heating up, every game matters, and the Chiefs are pulling out all the stops to ensure they stay on top. The return of Pacheco and Omenihu could be the X-factors Kansas City needs to secure a crucial divisional win. But with question marks in the kicking game, the margin for error is razor-thin. Buckle up, Chiefs Kingdom—this one’s going to be a nail-biter.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
