The Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 11 injury report was headlined by one major piece of news: running back Isiah Pacheco was officially ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.
With Pacheco missing his second straight game due to a knee injury, the Chiefs will again rely on a three-headed backfield attack led by Kareem Hunt, with Brashard Smith and Clyde Edwards-Helaire providing support.
However, the Chiefs didn’t stop there, as the team provided another update that may prove even more significant for Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City also confirmed that rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and second-year speedster Xavier Worthy are off the injury report after Friday’s full practices, putting both on track to suit up Sunday.
Read More: Chiefs Make Final Decision on RB Isiah Pacheco Before Broncos Game
A first-round selection (No. 32 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, Simmons is the Chiefs’ projected blindside protector at left tackle and started the opening weeks before his absence.
Simmons had missed time the previous four games for a personal matter, but assuming he’s a full-go on Sunday after returning to practice this week, it immediately strengthens Kansas City’s offensive line and eases pressure on Mahomes.
Worthy is Kansas City’s primary deep-threat option, adding a vital downfield dimension that forces secondaries to respect the vertical game, which in turn opens up the middle of the field for tight end Travis Kelce and wideout Rashee Rice.
Through seven games this season, Worthy has recorded 24 catches for 256 yards and one receiving touchdown, along with seven carries for 73 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Read More: 49ers Insider Makes Bold Brock Purdy Prediction Amid Injury Concerns
Simply put, a solid line and a reliable deep target help create more opportunities and cleaner looks for Mahomes.
On the season, Mahomes has thrown for 2,349 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 64.6% of his attempts, so he has already been efficient even in games where Worthy, Rice, or another weapon has missed.
However, the two additions vastly improve Mahomes’ chances of having a big game on Sunday against a stingy Denver defense that leads the league in sacks (46) and is allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (179.5).
The 5-4 Chiefs come in favored by 3.5 points, facing a Broncos squad on an 8-2 tear with seven straight wins atop the AFC West.
