One of the Chiefs’ early 2025 free agent signings could make his season debut against Bills in Week 9
Elijah Mitchell could be activated for the first time this season on Sunday.
Running back Isiah Pacheco sustained an MCL sprain during the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night.
Pacheco’s injury status is being described as “week-to-week.” He hasn’t officially been ruled out of Week 9’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but it appears unlikely that he will play.
Veteran Kareem Hunt would be poised to take over as the lead back in Pacheco’s absence, with rookie Brashard Smith being in the mix as well. A third RB will need to be added in Pacheco’s place, and it could one of the Chiefs’ first free agents signings they made during the offseason.
RB Elijah Mitchell could make regular season debut in Week 9
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, coach Andy Reid gave Mitchell a vote of confidence.
“He (Mitchell) had a severe injury at one point,” Reid said. “A lot of guys wouldn’t even come back from this thing, but he battled back. You could see him just get better every week during camp, and then progressing through to now. He takes a lot of the reps with the scout team group. So, I would tell you that we all have confidence in his play-ability, for sure.”
Mitchell made Kansas City’s 53-man roster, but has been inactive for all eight regular season games thus far. During the preseason he recorded six carries for 24 yards and one touchdown, and also recorded one reception for 13 yards.
Mitchell went down with a devastating hamstring injury that cost him the entire 2024 season, which was his last with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2022 an MCL injury caused him to miss 12 games. His best season was during his rookie year in 2021, as he totaled 1,100 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
Mitchell brings speed, receiving skills, and solid pass protection to the table. The Chiefs have other options at RB on their practice squad in Clyde Edwards-Heliare and Carson Steele. It’s entirely possible that they opt for one of those guys over Mitchell, but doing so would really bring into question why Mitchell is on the roster.
Kansas City Chiefs News
6 winners from Chiefs’ Week 8 victory over Commanders: Both sides of the ball contribute to well-rounded performance
We identify six winners from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 8 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.
