Major Isiah Pacheco injury update as Andy Reid faces Black Friday decision on returning Kansas City Chiefs star
Chiefs coach revealed he held Super Bowl winner back from returning last week
ANDY Reid faces a major decision on a key piece of his team’s offence returning from injury.
The Kansas City Chiefs coach is preparing his side for an AFC West division showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
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Isiah Pacheco is in line to play on Black Friday against the Las Vegas RaidersCredit: Getty
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Andy Reid has a decision to make on the running back – who has been on IR since Week 2Credit: Getty
And they could have running back Isiah Pacheco back on the field for the first time since Week 2.
Running back Pacheco was key to Kansas City’s run to Super Bowl glory last season.
He fractured his fibula in the second game of this season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reid confirmed that the Chiefs plan to activate Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu ahead of Week 13.
But the Chiefs face a short week with the Friday game.
And Reid has a decision on whether to risk playing Pacheco and Omenihu.
“As long as they’re OK,” Reid responded when asked if the pair would play.
“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.”
Kansas City has an eight-day break before their next game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
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And they are heavy favorites to beat the Raiders on Black Friday – even without their injured stars.
Reid revealed Pacheco was pushing to return from his injury sooner.
But he held the 25-year-old back to ensure he was 100 per cent health and ready for the long term.
Pacheco was in line to be activated before last week’s win over the Carolina Panthers.
But he stayed on the injured reserve list for one more week.
Chiefs remaining schedule
Friday, November 29 – vs Las Vegas Raiders, 3 pm ET
Sunday, December 8 – vs Los Angeles Chargers, 8.20 pm ET
Sunday, December 15 – at Cleveland Browns, 1 pm ET
Saturday, December 21 – vs Houston Texans, 1 pm ET
Wednesday, December 25 – at Pittsburgh Steelers, 6 pm ET
TBC – at Denver Broncos
“He would’ve played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that’s sometimes how it goes,” Reid said.
“I appreciate that, though, that mentality.
“That’s what’s helped him get to this point.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes agreed with Reid’s handling of Pacheco.
“I think it’s going to be us trying to hold him back because he’s a guy that wants to be out there as much as possible and he wants to play,” Mahomes said.
“But at the same time he wants to win.
“He knows the long-term goal that we have.
“Our goal is to get him back as quickly as possible but at the best time for him and his body so that we can have him for the long haul.
“Whenever that is, I know he’ll be ready, and he’ll be that Energizer Bunny that everybody loves to see.”
