The Kansas City Chiefs are one of many uncommon NFL groups that’s getting more healthy, and maybe deeper, because the season progresses.
The largest increase for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions might come Sunday, when the Chiefs hope to have working again Isiah Pacheco and move rusher Charles Omenihu accessible towards Carolina. Both spent final week engaged on the scout group and have had no points getting back from accidents, making it extra probably they are going to be lively this week.
“We’ll see about each of these two,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid mentioned earlier than heading to observe Wednesday. “Do the exercises and see the place I’m at this week and you then’ll go from there. We’ll simply should see.”
Pacheco has been out since Week 2, when he suffered an ankle harm that required surgical procedure. The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt virtually instantly afterward, and he did a great job whereas Pacheco rehabbed.
But now the Chiefs could have each at their disposal, making a two-headed offense with barely totally different ability units.
Hunt is the final word puncher between the tackles. He had no less than 14 carries in every of his seven video games with Kansas City, topping 100 yards speeding twice.
Pacheco additionally tends to run exhausting, however with extra velocity and explosiveness. This lends itself to larger performs, one thing Kansas City’s offense has sorely lacked. And his infectious vitality and enthusiasm are additionally a distinction to the quieter and extra reserved Hunt, and the Chiefs are wanting to have him again on the bench.
“I imply, pay attention, he is a spark emotionally. He’s one thing like that,” Reid acknowledged, “and he is labored exhausting to get up to now proper now. We’ve obtained to keep watch over him like that. He would have performed three weeks in the past if it had been his selection.”
Indeed, the Chiefs – now 9-1 after a 31-20 loss at Buffalo – seem centered on defending Pacheco from himself.
“We’re going to be those making an attempt to carry him again,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes mentioned. “He needs to be on the market as a lot as attainable. But on the similar time he needs to win. He is aware of our long-term targets.”
Meanwhile, the Chiefs hope to have Marquise Brown again on the observe subject in December. The huge receiver underwent shoulder surgical procedure after struggling an harm in a preseason recreation, and for some time it appeared prefer it was the top of the season. But he has perfected his rehab and it is attainable that Brown might assist the Chiefs in some unspecified time in the future within the postseason.
“We are making wonderful progress,” Reid mentioned. “I am unable to let you know when he’ll be again, however he is one other man who’s excited to get out right here and transfer ahead. I admire the way in which he is dealt with this entire factor.”
The Chiefs have tried to enhance their huge receiver group after shedding Brown and Rashee Rice to accidents. The large splash was touchdown three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in a commerce with Tennessee, however Chiefs basic supervisor Brett Veach additionally scoured the waiver wire and even opposing observe squads for gamers who might present additional depth.
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The newest addition is huge receiver Tyquan Thornton, who joined the observe squad after being waived by the Patriots on Saturday.
Thornton was a second-round choose by New England within the 2022 draft, when many groups had been tantalized by the 4.28-second 40-yard sprint time he recorded on the NFL scouting mix. But he struggled to dwell as much as expectations, showing in 28 video games with simply 13 begins and totaling 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots.
The Chiefs hope they’ll unlock his pure capability whereas offering Mahomes with one other participant who can stretch the ground.
“Obviously, he has a great alternative to return right here,” mentioned Chiefs huge receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who performed with Thornton in New England. “Young dude. He likes to work. He additionally likes to stretch the sector. He’s excited to be within the constructing and get to work.”
Associated Press reporting.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Isia Pacheco
Carlo Omenihu
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