Chiefs' Pacheco out vs. Bills, Hunt to assume larger role in running game

The Kansas City Chiefs will enter their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills without starting running back Isiah Pacheco, who is sidelined due to a knee ligament sprain.

Why it matters: Pacheco's absence could significantly impact the Chiefs' offensive strategy as they face a formidable Bills defense.

• With 329 rushing yards this season, Pacheco has been a key contributor to the team's ground game.
• His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact is vital, underscored by coach Andy Reid’s remark that “you have to cut his legs off to stop him.”

What’s new: In Pacheco's absence, Kareem Hunt is expected to take on a larger role.

• Hunt, who signed a $1.5 million contract in March, has primarily served as the short-yardage back this season, converting 14 of 16 fourth-down attempts with quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the field.
• Despite his limited carries—never exceeding 13 in a game this season—Hunt's experience and success in crucial situations make him a reliable option for the Chiefs.

What to watch: The performance of Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell may provide insights into how effectively the Chiefs can adapt their ground game.

• Smith, a seventh-round pick, showcased promise last week by running 14 times against the Raiders, primarily during the fourth quarter.
• Meanwhile, Mitchell, who ran for nearly 1,000 yards in 2021 but missed the entire previous season due to injury, could add depth if he continues to demonstrate improvement, as Reid noted, "A lot of guys wouldn't even come back from that thing."

Yes, but: The transition might not be seamless, especially against a tough opponent like the Bills.

• The Bills’ defense has consistently performed well against the run, which complicates matters for a Chiefs offense that relies heavily on balance between the run and pass.
• However, the return of right guard Trey Smith, who missed last week's game but has returned to practice, could provide a boost to the running game.

The bottom line: As the Chiefs prepare for the Bills, the loss of Pacheco creates both challenges and opportunities within their offensive scheme.

• While Hunt and Smith will need to step up, the effectiveness of their running game could hinge on the overall health and performance of the offensive line.
• The strategy moving forward will likely emphasize conservative, high-percentage plays to mitigate any potential inefficiencies in the rushing attack.