Kansas City Coach Andy Reid to Rest Sore Ribs of Running Back Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City coach Andy Reid plans to rest running back Isiah Pacheco due to sore ribs and hasn't decided who else will sit out before the regular-season finale against Denver. The Chiefs have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and will resume their pursuit of a third successive Super Bowl title in at least two weeks. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will likely get most of Week 18 off, and Carson Wentz may start for the Broncos.

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) are currently facing a significant challenge in their running back department with the injury to RB Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco, who touched the ball 25 times in the Chiefs' last game, suffered an injury to his ribs that will keep him out for an extended period [1]. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs, and head coach Andy Reid has not yet decided who will replace Pacheco in the lineup [1].

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is currently on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, is another running back the Chiefs are considering as a potential replacement [1]. However, Edwards-Helaire's availability is uncertain, and the team may need to look elsewhere for short-term solutions.

Two players on the Chiefs' 53-man roster who could potentially fill the void are Carson Steele and Samaje Perine. Steele, a rookie, has shown promise and is expected to get the first opportunity to carry the load [1]. Perine, a veteran, has experience in the league but has not been a significant contributor to the Chiefs' offense this season.

The Chiefs also have two running backs on their practice squad, Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey. One of these players is likely to be promoted to the 53-man roster should the team choose not to add another player through free agency [1].

The Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is expected to get most of Week 18 off, and Carson Wentz may start for the Denver Broncos [1]. Reid has not yet committed to a specific timetable for Pacheco's return, but the recovery process for rib injuries can take several weeks [1].

In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs' running back situation is uncertain due to the injury to Isiah Pacheco and the uncertain availability of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The team will likely turn to Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to fill the void in the short term, with Keaontay Ingram or Emani Bailey potentially being promoted from the practice squad. The Chiefs will need to carefully manage their roster as they prepare for the playoffs.

References:
[1] Atozsports.com. (2023, January 9). Chiefs Andy Reid plans to replace Isiah Pacheco following injury. Retrieved from https://atozsports.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs-news/chiefs-andy-reid-plans-to-replace-isiah-pacheco-following-injury/