KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is set to provide running back Isiah Pacheco with significant rest during the week due to discomfort from sore ribs.
Reid has yet to determine who else might receive a break ahead of their upcoming regular-season finale against the Broncos.
With a record of 15-1, the Chiefs have already secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs, along with the only first-round bye, making their matchup with Denver less critical.
However, while Reid is inclined to rest Pacheco and others with minor injuries as they approach the postseason, he is also aware of the potential downside: starters might experience a lack of rhythm resulting from an extended hiatus.
The Chiefs won’t begin their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title until at least January 18.
“We’ll be alright from it,” Reid remarked about the lengthy break, “because of the rest we gain here.”
It is highly likely that Patrick Mahomes will also see considerable playing time off, if not the entire game, particularly given he has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that he managed during a win over Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.
Consequently, this may open the door for Carson Wentz to make his first start of the season in a game crucial for the Broncos.
If Denver wins, they will join Kansas City and the Chargers as the three AFC West teams to make it to the playoffs.
“I think it’s great. The competitiveness of this division is, I believe, outstanding,” Reid stated on Monday.
“All four teams are playing hard, aggressive football, and quality football. I understand the Raiders are not in it; I get that. But the other two deserve to be in the playoffs. It’s encouraging to witness. This is all focused on competition. Denver and the Chargers are both solid teams.”
In terms of injury updates, Reid mentioned that former Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in his initial game of the season.
Having signed with the Chiefs mid-season following a torn ACL, Humphries’ return comes at a critical time as they have faced challenges in protecting Mahomes’ blind side.
Recently, the team has been adapting with All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney shifting to tackle while Mike Caliendo filled in for him.
However, they would prefer to have Thuney playing in his natural position as playoffs approach.
“I want to get (Humphries) out for practice and assess where he is,” Reid said. “He is making good progress in rehab, but that’s different from participating on the field. I’m eager to see how he performs there.”
Furthermore, Reid noted that wide receiver Mecole Hardman, currently on injured reserve due to a knee injury, has a shot at returning for the playoffs.
There is also a slim chance that cornerback Jaylen Watson could recover from his ankle injury in time.
Broncos coach Sean Payton, however, is not overly concerned with which Chiefs players might be sidelined on Sunday.
The task for his team remains unchanged.
“You must approach it as if you’re facing starters at these positions,” Payton commented.
“NFL rosters differ significantly from college rosters. Having been in this situation before, you need to focus on the scheme in relation to your game plan and prepare to see the players you studied on film. If someone else is filling that role, that’s just how it goes.”
While Sunday’s game holds no significance for the Chiefs, it doesn’t imply that the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions are overlooking the contest in favor of the postseason.
Whoever takes the field on Sunday will remain concentrated solely on the Broncos.
“There will be a time when we analyze the other group. We have time for that,” Reid stated.
“But right now, our focus is on preparing for Denver, and we’ll deal with all that other stuff later on another day.”