Andy Reid Delivers Positive Update on Isiah Pacheco’s Injury
The Kansas City Chiefs' running back room has showcased the likes of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon, Deneric Prince and La'Mical Perine this preseason while its leading rusher from 2022 remained limited in practice and out for games. During Monday's practice, though, the situation with Isiah Pacheco took a positive turn.
Swapping out his yellow non-contact jersey for a normal red one instead, Pacheco was able to shed some of his practice restrictions in the process. This switch falls in line with an early-August report by James Palmer of NFL Network which revealed that Pacheco was tracking to be cleared for contact "by the 20th of August." With last year's seventh-round pick now back in the fold with the rest of his teammates, it appears that Pacheco's progress in rehabbing from shoulder surgery is going swimmingly.
When asked about Pacheco's chances of playing in this Saturday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, Reid admitted that there's a chance. In either event, Reid added that his leading running back progressing out of the no-contact stage is a "positive step." Pacheco, who rushed for 830 yards and five touchdowns during his very first NFL regular season, averaged 5.3 yards per carry during the Chiefs' postseason run and had 76 yards and a touchdown during the team's Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles back in February.
Additional Monday Chiefs injury updates
Elsewhere for Kansas City, a multitude of players missed Monday's practice and are dealing with injuries of their own. Leading off his injury update, Reid said that defensive tackle Matt Dickerson has turf toe. Others who missed practice include offensive lineman Nick Allegretti (shoulder), wideouts Kadarius Toney (knee) and Nikko Remigio (shoulder), cornerbacks Nic Jones (hand) and L'Jarius Sneed (knee), as well as defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee). Reid said Wharton's knee swelled up but as he continues to work his way back from a 2022 ACL injury, he's "feeling good now."
The Week 1 status of Toney, who is rehabbing from a meniscus issue, remains in question. Reid responded with "we'll see" when asked whether his talented receiver could return to practice soon, although he acknowledged that a Tuesday reunion with the team on the field is unlikely.
Also missing practice on Monday was defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is still holding out due to an ongoing contract concern.
