Chiefs Get Key Backfield Boost as Isiah Pacheco Returns for Thanksgiving Clash in Dallas

The Kansas City Chiefs escaped Indianapolis on Sunday with an overtime victory that felt both vital and precarious. While the win kept them squarely in the AFC playoff race, it also underscored the team’s ongoing struggles with turnovers and rhythm on offense. Patrick Mahomes once again shouldered the late-game burden, delivering enough big plays to avoid a damaging defeat.

Even with the sigh of relief that came with the win, Kansas City knows its margin for error remains thin. The Chiefs now face a short turnaround before a high-profile Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a contest that could shape their postseason path. With several AFC contenders gaining momentum, every week carries added pressure.

As preparations ramp up, the Chiefs received encouraging news on the injury front. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been sidelined since late October with a knee issue, is set to return to the lineup. His availability provides needed depth for a backfield that has leaned heavily on veteran Kareem Hunt during his absence.

The timing is significant. Kansas City’s offense has lacked balance in recent weeks, and Pacheco’s physical running style offers another dimension heading into Thursday’s nationally televised showdown.

1. Pacheco Cleared to Play After Multigame Absence

Head coach Andy Reid confirmed early in the week that Isiah Pacheco will be active against Dallas, signaling the end of a four-game absence. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero first shared the update, noting that the second-year back is expected to resume his normal workload barring any late setbacks. Pacheco last played in the Chiefs’ October 27 win over the Commanders. While his production this season hasn’t reached the heights of his breakout rookie year, he remains an integral part of the offense. His return gives Kansas City a one-two punch with Kareem Hunt, easing the pressure on Mahomes to carry every possession. The coaching staff has been careful with Pacheco’s recovery, hoping to avoid reinjury as the team enters the most demanding part of the schedule. With his physical style and acceleration through the hole, Kansas City sees him as a stabilizing force for a run game that has been inconsistent. Thursday’s matchup will provide an immediate test of his readiness, especially against a Dallas front that thrives on speed and disruption.

2. Chiefs Look to Clean Up Mistakes After Chaotic Win

Kansas City’s narrow escape against the Colts highlighted the team’s ongoing battle with turnovers and stalled drives. Multiple giveaways nearly swung the game to Indianapolis, and the Chiefs were forced to claw their way back late, relying heavily on Mahomes’ improvisation and poise. Despite those frustrations, Kansas City’s resilience showed through. The ability to recover from early missteps resembled the championship-level composure that has defined the franchise during the Mahomes era. Still, coaches and players acknowledged that similar errors cannot carry into Thursday’s matchup. The Cowboys enter the game on a wave of momentum after storming back from a 21–0 deficit to defeat the Eagles. Their defense thrives on creating pressure and capitalizing on mistakes — an area Kansas City knows it must tighten immediately. With the AFC playoff field tightening each week, the Chiefs recognize that a cleaner, more disciplined performance will be required to secure a critical road win.

3. High-Stakes Thanksgiving Battle Ahead

Thursday’s meeting between the Chiefs and Cowboys carries elevated meaning for both sides. For Kansas City, a win keeps them positioned firmly in the AFC race; a loss could push them dangerously close to falling out of contention. The short week adds complexity, but it also offers a chance to build momentum off Sunday’s emotional finish. Dallas, meanwhile, is playing some of its most confident football of the season. Their explosive offense and opportunistic defense have created matchup challenges for opponents across the league, and Thanksgiving games in Arlington often bring heightened intensity. Pacheco’s return arrives at a crucial moment, giving the Chiefs an additional weapon as they try to regain offensive balance. Kansas City will look to pair efficiency with urgency, hoping to avoid the kind of slow start that nearly cost them in Indianapolis. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET, with both teams seeking a defining win on one of the league’s biggest regular-season stages.