Buffalo Bills to face Kansas City Chiefs team without two key starters in Week 9

The Chiefs ruled out their starting running back and starting left tackle for this Sunday's game against the Bills.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While the Buffalo Bills deal with several injuries of their own, the Kansas City Chiefs are also banged up entering a critical Week 9 matchup.

The Chiefs declared two key starters out for Sunday’s meeting between the Bills and Chiefs, with running back Isiah Pacheco and rookie left tackle Josh Simmons both set to be sidelined due to injury.

RELATED: Sean McDermott rules out 3 key contributors for Bills' Week 9 matchup with Chiefs

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball against Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Depleted backfield

Pacheco left the Chiefs’ Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders due to a knee injury, and the team subsequently declared him week-to-week, leading to his upcoming absence against the Bills.

Kansas City’s leading ball carrier has recorded a team-high 78 carries for 329 yards rushing and a touchdown while adding 11 receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. The fourth-year pro has a limited history against the Bills, having totaled two carries for nine yards and added two receptions for nine yards during a 2022 meeting between the two teams.

MORE: Buffalo Bills will face Chiefs' defensive line with added reinforcement in Week 9

Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Capable backup

Pacheco’s replacement is likely to be backup RB Kareem Hunt, who carried the ball nine times for 40 yards and a touchdown while adding a two-yard touchdown reception this past Monday night.

Hunt finished the 2024 AFC Championship Game against the Bills with 17 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. The 30-year-old has played five regular-season games against the Bills during his career, averaging 4.09 yards per carry on 34 attempts while being held out of the end zone.

RELATED: Buffalo Bills' likely to escape Kansas City Chiefs' starting RB in Week 9

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Jaylon Moore (77) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Simmons’ absence continues

Simmons was selected by the Chiefs in the first round of the 2025 draft and played in the team’s first five games of the season before taking a personal leave of absence that has now extended to three weeks.

Jaylon Moore has stepped in and performed adequately in his absence, leading to speculation that Moore may keep the job even once Simmons returns to action. Moore was responsible for one of three sacks of quarterback Patrick Mahomes while allowing a couple of pressures this past week against the Commanders, per Pro Football Focus.

Moore is questionable to play due to an illness, as is right guard Trey Smith (back), but at this time, both are expected to suit up against Buffalo on Sunday.

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