Report: Chiefs' Pacheco clears concussion protocol

Running back Isiah Pacheco cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and is expected to play in the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Pacheco had been listed as questionable after being placed in the protocol and while dealing with a shoulder injury.

Chiefs' running backs Isiah Pacheco (concussion, shoulder) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), both listed as questionable for Sunday, both are expected to play vs. the Bengals, per source.

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2023

The 24-year-old exited the Chiefs' loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day after taking a knee to his head.

He missed two games in December due to a shoulder ailment that required a cleanup procedure.

The Chiefs gain some depth in the backfield with Pacheco's likely return. Clyde Edwards-Helaire received a larger percentage of carries in Pacheco's absence. Kanas City placed Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve due to a groin injury.

Receiver Mecole Hardman is also reportedly set to be activated ahead of Sunday after being placed on injured reserve with a thumb injury in November.

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