KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco won’t play against the New England Patriots Sunday after undergoing cleanup surgery on his bruised shoulder earlier this week.
But the injury isn’t expected to keep Pacheco out long-term, according to head coach Andy Reid.
“Pacheco had surgery on his shoulder and had some things taken out that were floaters in there but he’s doing well,” Reid said. “He’s moving around good, and I anticipate getting him back next week.”
Reid said Pacheco took part in walkthroughs during the week. The running back sustained what the club termed a shoulder bruise during the team’s Week 13 game at Green Bay, and he sat out last week’s contest against Buffalo. It’s the same shoulder on which Pacheco underwent surgery during the offseason for a torn labrum. Reid is optimistic Pacheco could return for the team’s Christmas day contest against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Left tackle Donovan Smith, his continues recovering from a stinger injury in his neck, will also miss this week’s game against the Patriots. Rookie Wanya Morris will make his second straight start at left tackle in place of Smith.
Reid also confirmed the team’s roster exemption for wide receiver Justyn Ross will extend into next week. Ross, who was suspended for the last six games due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy, worked with the scout team during practice this week and will be restored to the 53-player next week.
