Chiefs Get Unfortunate Update On Injured Playmaker
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a two-game losing streak against division rivals, the Denver Broncos, and conference mega-rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
This leaves the team third in the AFC West with a 5-5 record and currently out of the playoffs, being one game behind the 6-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, who occupy the #7 seed.
One possible buoy for the team heading into a critical matchup in week 12 against the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts was the potential return of starting running back Isiah Pacheco, who has not played since week 8 as he continues to recover from an MCL sprain suffered against the Washington Commanders.
Pacheco was a full participant earlier in the week, giving home for his potential return to the starting lineup this weekend, before the team’s injury reported was released on November 20th, saying that the two-time Super Bowl champion had been downgraded to limited practice three days prior to game-day.
Correction here on RB Isiah Pacheco (knee): The #Chiefs listed the running back as limited on Thursday after he was full on Wednesday. Xavier Worthy (ankle) and Kingsley Suamataia (concussion) were also limited.
https://t.co/6FRYxCccHC— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) November 20, 2025
“Correction here on RB Isiah Pacheco (knee): The #Chiefs listed the running back as limited on Thursday after he was full on Wednesday. Xavier Worthy (ankle) and Kingsley Suamataia (concussion) were also limited.” The Kansas City Star’s Pete Sweeney wrote.
Will Isiah Pacheco Play In Week 12?
At this point, it is not immediately clear whether the team will have Pacheco available to them this coming weekend.
Moving from full to limited practice implies some sort of setback in his recovery from the knee injury. And to make matters worse, Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick reported that Pacheco was sporting a knee brace at practice on November 20th.
WR Xavier Worthy (ankle) and LG Kingsley Suamataia upgrade to limited on Thursday for Chiefs. Suamataia took the next step in the NFL concussion return protocol.
RB Isiah Pacheco was limited after a full day Wednesday. He’s still wearing a bulky brace on his right knee.
“WR Xavier Worthy (ankle) and LG Kingsley Suamataia upgrade to limited on Thursday for Chiefs. Suamataia took the next step in the NFL concussion return protocol.” Derrick posted on X. “RB Isiah Pacheco was limited after a full day Wednesday. He’s still wearing a bulky brace on his right knee.”
What Will The Chiefs’ Running Back Room Look Like Moving Forward?
Indeed, one might argue that even if he is available, the former seventh round pick’s utilization rate may be substantially lower than it was earlier in the season, where he was routinely playing in over half of offensive snaps each game – and sometimes up to 75%.
Kareem Hunt‘s emergence on the Chiefs’ offense, having managed 4.5 yards per carry over the past two games in Pacheco’s absence – higher than the 26 year old’s season average of 4.2 YPC – could see him and the former starter do a 40% – 40% split, with young up-and-comer, Brashard Smith, receiving the final 20% of offensive snaps as Kansas City looks to secure the position for the future.
Head coach, Andy Reid, has always had a soft spot for Pacheco – something that was always highly warranted until the back end of the 2024 season, when he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in the last portion of the regular season – coming off a fibula injury suffered early on in the year – which was followed by just 2.8 YPC that postseason.
But now – even with Pacheco having improved on his 2024 form, but still not hitting the heights of his rookie and sophomore years – the offense will need to decide how they want to balance carries and snaps between their top guys.
Know Before You Go: Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium
The Los Angeles Rams will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their Week 12 'Aaron Donald Celebration' matchup, presented by
The Rams are set to celebrate the greatest defensive player of his era, Aaron Donald. Donald had a storied career in the Royal and Sol, spending all ten seasons of his career with the Rams. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors a record-tying three times, secured Pro Bowl nominations in all ten seasons of his career and helped the Rams lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy after recording the game-sealing stop to win Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Learn more about the celebration
This year, more than 50 Los Angeles Rams players and coaches will bring awareness to off-the-field causes and nonprofit organizations they are most passionate about as part of the NFL's
Visit www.therams.com/gameday for gameday information. Below are off-the-field highlights of Sunday's game.
Rams to honor legend Aaron Donald with celebration game
- Giveaway Item: The first 60,000 fans in attendance will receive an Aaron Donald GOAT Bobblehead, presented by Hyundai, available at all gates, while supplies last. Fans should arrive early to secure their bobblehead.
- Halftime Performance: The USC Marching Band will perform for fans during halftime. The band will wear "99" shirts and assemble in various formations to honor Donald. The band will perform alongside American rapper, actor, television presenter, radio personality, and record executive XZIBIT.
- Aaron Donald Call to Stomp: The Rams have incorporated elements of Donald into their gameday presentation to cement his legacy. New this season, to start the game and the second half, fans view the "Call to Stomp" where Donald overviews the grit of the Rams and calls on fans to join him in an "LA Rams" chant.
- Section 99 for Watts Rams: Donald will host members of the Watts Rams Youth Football team in a special section "99" to enjoy the game. Donald worked with the Watts Rams throughout his active playing career and will participate in a turkey giveaway for the team and their families prior to Sunday's game.
- Photo with the GOAT: Fans can visit Upper American Airlines Plaza to snap a photo with a life-sized version of the Aaron Donald Bobblehead. In addition, "99" buttons will be available at the Button Bar and Ramp'd Up will feature "99" face paint options. In addition, Lower American Airlines Plaza will feature Donald pillar wraps.
- Pregame Painting: World-renowned performance painter David Garibaldi will construct a painting of Donald during the pregame show.
- Legend of the Game: Aaron Donald will be recognized during the first quarter as the Rams Iconic Legend of the Game presented by 1800 Tequila. Donald had a storied career in the Royal and Sol, spending all ten seasons of his career with the Rams. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors a record-tying three times, secured Pro Bowl nominations in all ten seasons of his career and helped the Rams lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy after recording the game-sealing stop to win Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Donald led the NFL in sacks during the 2018 season and established a new high-water mark for defensive tackles with 20.5. Additionally, Donald notched a Rams franchise record 111.0 career sacks, becoming just the second defensive tackle in NFL history to eclipse the century mark.
Rams gameday to feature special guests and performances
- National Anthem: American R&B singer-songwriter Lucky Daye will perform the National Anthem. LA Highway Patrol will hold an 80-yard American flag on the field during the anthem.
- Third Quarter Performance: Rapper, singer and songwriter Paul Russell will perform during the third quarter break of the game. Russell is known for his song "Lil Boo Thang", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- My Cause My Cleats: This year, 50 Los Angeles Rams players and coaches will bring awareness to off-the-field causes and nonprofit organizations they are most passionate about as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign. More information on the causes players and coaches are supporting can be found at therams.com/community/mycausemycleats.
- LA28 Moment: During pregame, the Los Angeles Rams will become the first donor for LA28's fundraising effort to provide local non-profits with free tickets to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rams President Kevin Demoff and EVP of Community Impact and Engagement Molly Higgins will present a $5 million check on behalf of the Rams to get free tickets in the hands of local residents.
- Verizon Military Hero of the Game: Colonel Eric R. Swenson Deputy Commander will be recognized during the first quarter as the Verizon Military Hero of the Game. Swenson became the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division in 2025. Prior to his arrival at the division, Swenson served as the commander and district engineer of USACE's St. Paul District, most recently serving additionally as the Recovery Field Office commander for the 2025 Southern California wildfires recovery mission. Swenson's military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and various campaign and service medals.
- Pregame Performance: The Rancho Cucamonga Warriors youth football team will take the field for pregame performances beginning at 12:40 p.m. PT.
Merchandise available for purchase in the equipment room
- Merch Item of the Game: Fans can shop Aaron Donald items and the exclusive Rams vs. Buccaneers match-up apparel designed by Born x Raised. Commemorative match-up items including the game pin, acrylic tickets, and more also will be available at the Equipment Room and across stadium merchandise locations.
- Rams x Basics Merchandise Collection: Also available will be the latest offering from the Basics collection, a limited assortment of tees, hoodies, sweaters, and headwear. Basics II will be available at the Equipment Room and across stadium merchandise locations.
Dining and entertainment options at Hollywood Park
- Rams Pregame VIP Tailgate: The Rams VIP Tailgate, presented by AVP, is located at CineVita, just steps from the south side of SoFi Stadium. Open starting four hours before kickoff, guests can enjoy all-inclusive food and drinks (including alcohol), indoor air-conditioned seating as well as outdoor lounge seating. Plus, TVs to watch other games going on.
- The Shops at Hollywood Park contain a variety of dining options including The Meeting Spot, COSM and Cinepolis. For fans arriving before gates open, they can visit The Meeting Spot for gameday drink specials and receive free entry into COSM pre- and postgame by showing a Rams game ticket.
- Located at Prairie Avenue and Century Boulevard, Hollywood Park's retail district is home to Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, JD Sports, Iconix Fitness, Cosm and The Meeting Spot, Phenix Salon Suites and Google Code Next.
American Airlines Plaza and Pepsi overlook to feature activations for fans
- Early Entry Special: There will be early entry beer specials – $5 Bud Light at the Bud Light Backyard in Upper American Airlines Plaza, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. PT or while supplies last.
- Activities for Fans: Rams Ramp'd Up face painting, the Button Bar, Football Toss and more will be available to fans in Upper American Airlines Plaza from the time gates open through kickoff.
- Rams Football Academy: Fans can visit the Rams Football Academy booth in upper American Airlines Plaza from 3:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. PT to learn about the exciting youth program and sign up for exclusive benefits and merchandise.
- Rams Land Kids Zone: Fans can enjoy a soft play area with a slide and foam pit, a tumbling space, a Rams House reading nook, a kids-edition bench press and a vertical leap in Upper American Airlines Plaza from the time entries open through halftime. Kids of all ages can meet Rampage 15 minutes after gates open.
- Football Night in America: Fans can get a behind the scenes look at NBC's Football Night in America set, staged on Upper American Airlines Plaza and going live.
- Buchanan's Sampling: Fans 21 and over can visit the Buchanan's team in Lower American Airlines Plaza to sample gameday cocktails.
- Additional information on fan activities and partnership activations can be found at https://www.therams.com/game-day/pregame-activities.
Additional gameday information
- Head to Los Angeles Rams Media Website and click Week 12 "Gameday Info" for Important Gameday Details.
- For information about tickets to Rams games, including group tickets, single game tickets and suites, visit www.therams.com/tickets. For more information about Rams gameday, please visit www.therams.com/gameday. Fans can utilize the Rams Virtual Assistant to ask gameday questions. More information about SoFi Stadium, including permitted and prohibited items and a full A-Z Guide, can be found at www.sofistadium.com/planyourvisit/.
