Inside Look: Kansas City Chiefs Week 11 Injury Report for 2025 NFL Season
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their bye week, are facing some concerns as they prepare for their first divisional showdown of the season against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. The team’s injury report on Thursday brought mixed, but mostly troubling, news, leaving the status of key players in question for the crucial Week 11 matchup.
The feeling of optimism that often accompanies a bye week, a chance to heal and reset, has been dampened by the latest practice updates. While the time off seemed beneficial for some, others are now either sidelined or newly injured, creating a sense of uncertainty for a team looking to get back the AFC West race.
Key Offensive Players Remain a Concern
The most significant development from Thursday’s practice was the continued absence of starting running back Isiah Pacheco. For the second consecutive day, Pacheco did not participate due to a knee injury. His status is now a major point of anxiety for the Chiefs’ offense. Head coach Andy Reid had previously expressed hope, but Pacheco’s inability to get on the field casts serious doubt on his availability for Sunday. The loss of his explosive and physical running style would be a substantial blow against a tough Broncos defense.
Adding to the offensive worries, is wide receiver Xavier Worthy who was a new and unexpected addition to the injury report. Worthy was listed as a limited participant with an ankle injury. The electrifying receiver has become a vital piece for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, and any limitation to his speed could impact the team’s ability to stretch the field. His emergence on the report is a situation the coaching staff and fans will be monitoring.
Updates on the Defensive Side
On the defensive front, there was a glimmer of hope that quickly faded. Defensive end George Karlaftis, who was a surprise limited participant on Wednesday with a thumb injury, remained limited on Thursday. While his presence on the field is a positive sign, his limited capacity suggests he is not yet at full strength. Karlaftis has been a consistent force on the defensive line, and the team needs him to help generate pressure on the quarterback.
Positive Signs for the Offensive Line
There was some good news, however, as the rest of the players on Wednesday’s report were full participants on Thursday. This group includes key members of the offensive line, guard Trey Smith (back) and tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee/ankle), along with tackle Josh Simmons (personal) and defensive end Charles Omenihu (ankle). Their full participation is a relief, especially for an offensive line that needs to be at its best to protect Mahomes and open running lanes, particularly if Pacheco is out. Safety Jaden Hicks (pectoral) was also a full participant.
As the team heads into its final full practice of the week, all eyes will be on Friday’s official injury report. That report will provide the game status designations—out, doubtful, or questionable—that will give a much clearer picture of who will, and will not, be suiting up at Empower Field at Mile High. For the Chiefs, a team with Super Bowl aspirations, getting healthy is just as important as the game plan itself. The next 24 hours will be telling.
