**Key Players Poised for Return as Chiefs Approach Season’s Second Half**

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of welcoming back three pivotal players to their lineup, with Head Coach Andy Reid indicating that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, running back Isiah Pacheco, and defensive end Charles Omenihu are nearing a return to action.

"I think they're all close; I'd probably tell you JuJu is closer than the other two," said Reid. "We might have them out there, we'll just see how it goes today and tomorrow. They're very close, all three of them."

Pacheco has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula. Smith-Schuster, who has appeared in six games this season, has not played since Week 6 because of a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Omenihu has yet to step onto the field this season after tearing his ACL in the 2023 AFC Championship.

Despite their current perfect 9-0 record, the Chiefs’ offense has experienced some inconsistencies, particularly in generating production from the receiver position outside of the recent addition, Deandre Hopkins. The anticipated return of Smith-Schuster and Pacheco is expected to rejuvenate the offense.

The tandem of Pacheco and Kareem Hunt is set to provide a powerful one-two punch out of the backfield, alleviating some of the workload from Hunt, who has been heavily utilized since joining the team in Week 4. Omenihu's return would also bolster the Chiefs’ defense, adding another solid pass rusher to the lineup.

As the Chiefs prepare for the second half of the season and a potential postseason run, their health appears to be improving at an opportune moment. They are set to face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday at 3:25 p.m., in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the NFL season.