Injury Report: KC Chiefs Update on Isiah Pacheco, Kadarius Toney vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs will be a bit short-handed when they play the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas, as head coach Andy Reid ruled several players out on Saturday: running back Jerick McKinnon, wide receiver Kadarius Toney, and left tackle Donovan Smith. Later, the team also ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman.
Reid's injury report means good news for running back Isiah Pacheco, who was a full participant in practice all week after missing two games due to a shoulder issue that was addressed with a surgical procedure to remove "floaters" from his shoulder. On Dec. 18, Reid said Pacheco was actually cleared to play against the New England Patriots, but that the Chiefs were being cautious with Pacheco's return.
Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (who returned to practice Saturday after missing Friday's practice for an excused personal reason) will have to take the bulk of the work from the running back position with McKinnon out.
Reid was noncommittal when asked about Hardman before he was later officially ruled out. Hardman has not yet been activated off injured reserve but did return to practice with the team.
"Mecole did a good job, he was working out there, looked fast," Reid said.
After placing wide receiver Skyy Moore on injured reserve on Dec. 18, the Chiefs will be without Hardman, Toney and Moore on Christmas, paving the way for wide receiver Richie James to get more playing time on Monday.
Smith was originally listed as a non-participant in Friday's practice after being limited on Thursday, but after Saturday afternoon's injury update, Smith was listed as a limited participant in all three of the week's practices.
Smith's absence leads to another opportunity for rookie Wanya Morris to start at left tackle again this week. Smith started the year as the Chiefs' left tackle, but Morris has held the position since Smith exited the Chiefs' game against the Green Bay Packers with a neck injury.
Nick Bolton was a full participant on Friday and Saturday after missing Thursday's practice. His official injury is listed as "wrist/abdomen/illness," but he's on track to play on Monday.
