The Kansas City Chiefs saw three key players return to practice Wednesday, including wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Coach Andy Reid said Smith-Schuster may play in the pivotal game between the unbeaten Chiefs and Bills, despite missing action since Week 7 due to a hamstring injury.
“We’ll see how he progresses through practice,” Reid said. “If it’s up to him, he’s back.”
Smith-Schuster’s injury, along with earlier injuries to wide receivers Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice, led the Chiefs to trade for DeAndre Hopkins. Despite similar skill sets, Smith-Schuster and Hopkins bring unique abilities, potentially allowing them to share the field Sunday.
Reid deemed it “unlikely” that Pacheco and Omenihu would play immediately.
Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2 against Cincinnati and underwent surgery. His return aligns with the initial six-to-eight-week timeline. With Kareem Hunt performing well in his absence, the Chiefs aren’t rushed to bring Pacheco back.
Hunt has touched the ball at least 21 times in five consecutive games, accumulating 449 rushing yards, five touchdowns and 14 receptions for 116 yards.
Adding Pacheco to the backfield could alleviate Hunt’s workload and maintain both backs’ health for the season’s stretch run.
“I’m happy for him, and I know he’s excited,” Hunt said. “It’s going to be a great backfield. It could be similar to Cleveland, where I worked with Nick Chubb.”
Omenihu returned from the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL in the AFC championship game. The Chiefs relied on George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, then added Josh Uche via trade.
Omenihu recorded seven sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games last season.
“Players recover differently from injuries,” Chiefs manager Brett Veach said. “Their rehabilitation processes vary. Some return quickly, while others take months or even a year.”