It was a bounce-back effort for the Chiefs (10-1), who lost for the first time this season a week earlier against the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City never trailed yet had to use a 57-yard drive to move into scoring position to close the game.

Mahomes was 27 of 37 for 269 yards, tight end Noah Gray caught two touchdown passes and Shrader kicked two field goals.

Carolina's Chuba Hubbard ran 1 yard for a touchdown with 1:46 remaining and tacked on a two-point conversion run to knot the score at 27-all. It was the second try on the conversion after a defensive pass penalty on an incomplete throw.

Bryce Young threw for 263 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (3-8), who had a two-game winning streak snapped.

Eddy Pineiro kicked field goals from 30, 32, 29 and 33 yards.

Carolina tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was carted off the field just before halftime and was hospitalized with a neck injury. Sanders had movement in all extremities, according to head coach Dave Canales.

Both teams scored touchdowns on their first possessions of the second half.

Carolina used 15 plays and more than 8 1/2 minutes, resulting in Young's 1-yard TD pass to David Moore. Kansas City pushed its edge to 27-16 on a 75-yard march in 10 plays with DeAndre Hopkins grabbing Mahomes' 3-yard pass.

The Chiefs seemed in a hurry to wipe away the disappointment from the previous week. Samaje Perine returned the opening kickoff 56 yards into Carolina territory and on the third snap, Mahomes connected with Gray for a 35-yard touchdown.

The next four scoring plays were field goals - two for each team.

The Chiefs then drove 92 yards in 14 plays to score on Gray's 11-yard reception, pushing their lead to 20-6 with 44 seconds left in the first half. Kansas City scored on all four of its first-half possessions.

The Panthers weren't finished, moving to the Kansas City 11 before settling for their third field goal on the last play of the half.

Reid said Friday he won't put running back Isiah Pacheco on the field at Carolina on Sunday, when the Chiefs visit the Panthers for a Week 12 matchup, to give him more time to recover from a broken fibula. Because of the short week of preparation before Friday's game with the Las Vegas Raiders, Reid opted not to activate Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu to face the Panthers.

Reid said Thursday that the Chiefs, including input from trainers and offensive coaches, were already considering protecting Pacheco by taking the decision out of his hands this week.

"He's a spark plug now, emotionally," Reid said. "He's something that way, and he's worked his tail off to get to the point that he's at now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that's sometimes how it goes. I appreciate that mentality. That's what's helped him get to this point."

Pacheco and Omenihu practiced the entire week.

With three more light practice days before the weeknight game, both players could return for the division clash on Friday.

Kareem Hunt, who is averaging 3.7 yards per carry as the primary ballcarrier during Pacheco's absence, remains the starter.

Pacheco was placed on injured reserve Sept. 18 with a broken fibula sustained in a Week 2 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Omenihu has been recovering from a torn ACL sustained in last year's AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Pacheco, 25, rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 54 yards in two games before the injury. He has accumulated 2,328 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns in 33 games (26 starts) since Kansas City drafted him in the seventh round in 2022.

Omenihu, 27, had a career-high seven sacks in 11 games (one start) in his first season with the Chiefs in 2023. He has 18.5 sacks in 72 career games (11 starts) with the Houston Texans (2019-21), San Francisco 49ers (2021-22) and Kansas City. He was a fifth-round pick by Houston in 2019.

The Panthers (3-7) have won two games in a row and are coming off an open week.

The Chiefs (9-1) don't have a winning streak for the first time since January. They lost last weekend at Buffalo, though they share the best record in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs are bound to be paying attention to more details after a rare disappointment for the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions.

"Try to use this as a spark so that we can be a better football team in the end," Mahomes said of the loss to the Bills.

Mahomes said the Chiefs are keeping perspective after their first defeat since Christmas Day 2023 (20-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders).

"The undefeated thing was cool, but that's not our ultimate goal," he said.

Kansas City lost back-to-back games once last season but not during their 14-3 season in 2022. They dropped two in a row once in 2021 and finished 12-5 but ran up a 14-2 record in 2020 without losing consecutive games.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the focus clicked quickly from Buffalo to the Panthers without players discussing being undefeated.

"I don't really hear a lot of that talk from them or think they care too much about that, other than exhausting yourself the best you can to prepare yourself for that team there that week." Reid said. "Then you get to a point where you say, 'Listen, I've done everything I possibly can. Here's a product.' And you go play."

Mahomes challenges defenses in multiple ways even operating with an offense dented by injuries. There's a chance running back Isiah Pacheco (broken leg) returns from injured reserve, but Reid said that decision wouldn't be made until late in the week.

Pacheco's hard-charging style commands a team approach to tackling, but Carolina doesn't want to distract from intent to keep Mahomes under wraps.

With defensive backs doing better at formation identification, the Panthers are giving themselves a stronger chance to be effective at the back end.

"And making plays when the ball comes to them," first-year coach Dave Canales said. "So a lot of growth there."

The Panthers are sticking with Bryce Young at quarterback, something that was expected given a couple of victories since he returned to the first-string role.

"This is about the continued progress," Canales said. "Bryce looks more and more confident."

With a quarterback who's still trying to settle in and bolster production, the Panthers expect that the Chiefs will dial up some defensive packages to test Young's ability to handle different looks.

"We just have to be prepared for those answers," Canales said. "They're going to have variety, (so) let's do our best stuff as fast that we can to try to put a little bit of stress on them."

The Panthers won't be overconfident by any stretch. They're aware of what the Chiefs are all about.

"I feel like we just got to tighten up our details even more knowing that they're coming in to find a way to win," Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn said.

The Panthers were without starting left guard Damien Lewis because of illness Wednesday, but otherwise the team's list of available players should be growing.

Receiver Adam Thielen is expected to be in action for the first time since September as he comes off a hamstring ailment.

Perhaps the biggest development that has been brewing for a few weeks is that running back Jonathan Brooks (knee) should be set for his NFL debut.

"I have really high hopes for him playing this Sunday," Canales said. "Particularly with Miles (Sanders) out (ankle), to give us another running back in there with Chuba (Hubbard)."

But he and fellow return-from-IR candidate Charles Omenihu have some work to do, head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday.

"We'll see. Kind of go through the practice week, see where we're at the end of this week, and we'll go from there," Reid said. "But yeah, just have to see. (It's a) day-by-day type thing."

Pacheco had 34 carries for 135 yards when he fractured the fibula in his right leg in a Week 2 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Chiefs opened the 21-day window for Pacheco and Omenihu last week, Reid immediately ruled out playing either one at Buffalo. He's keeping the door open for one or both to show they're ready to play in the Week 12 game in Charlotte, but he's not going to let Pacheco determine his return date without medical input.

"He's a spark plug now, emotionally," Reid said. "He's something that way and he's worked his tail off to get to the point that he's at now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if he had his choice, but that's sometimes how it goes. I appreciate that mentality. That's what's helped him get to this point."

Omenihu remains on the physically unable to perform list and is working toward a comeback from an ACL tear in the AFC Championship game.

Reid said injured wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who caused a stir by posting a clock emoji on his X account, isn't ready to practice.

"Making very good progress, (I) can't tell you when he'll be back," Reid said. "He's another one who is excited to get back out here and get going. So, I appreciate the way he's approached the whole thing."

Brown suffered a dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint that sent him to the hospital from a preseason game in August.

Facing the choice of attempting a short field goal or handing the defending Super Bowl champions and quarterback Patrick Mahomes the ball and time to drive for a win, Bills coach Sean McDermott turned the game over to Allen, who first looked to pass, then diced through a Chiefs defense that is among the league's best against the run.

The Bills improved to 9-2. The Chiefs fell to 9-1.

Allen completed 27 of 40 passes for 262 yards and led the Bills (9-2) with 55 rush yards.

Buffalo appeared to take control by dominating the time of possession in the second half, a category the Chiefs have controlled.

With the Bills defense containing Mahomes, Allen bloomed in the fourth quarter. His 12-yard pass to wideout Curtis Samuel with 12:51 left paid off a 10-play, 83-yard drive that took six minutes off the clock and gave the Bills a 23-14 lead.

But Mahomes led the Chiefs 70 yards in 4:58 to trim the lead to 23-21 on his second touchdown pass -- a 1-yarder -- pass to tight end Noah Gray.

Buffalo has won six straight this season and the last four regular-season games in the series. The eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs in Buffalo in January, however.

A first half that featured four lead changes ended with the Bills leading 16-14 after Buffalo's Tyler Bass kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired.

James Cook gave the Bills a 6-0 lead just five minutes into the game with a 3-yard run, but the extra point kick failed.

The Chiefs took a 7-6 lead seven seconds into the second quarter on Mahomes' 10-yard pass to Xavier Worthy.

Buffalo responded immediately, however, using a 6-yard run by Cook for a 13-7 lead.

"Surgery went great! Thank you for the prayers," Butker wrote on X.

The Chiefs announced Friday they had placed Butker, 29, on injured reserve and confirmed the signing of kicker Spencer Shrader, who had been on the New York Jets practice squad.

Eighth among NFL kickers in points with 75 this season, Butker connected on 18 of 20 field-goal attempts and 21 of 22 extra points. Both of the missed field goals were on tries beyond 50 yards.

Butker's career 89.21 field-goal percentage ranks third in NFL history. He has won three Super Bowl titles with Kansas City.

Shrader has limited NFL experience.

A 25-year-old rookie from Notre Dame, Shrader connected on both of his field-goal attempts for the Jets last week at Arizona. He joined the Jets after being released by the Indianapolis Colts, who used Shrader in Week 1 for three successful PATs as the injury replacement for kicker Matt Gay.

The Chiefs (9-0), seeking their 16th consecutive win dating back to last season, visit the Buffalo Bills (8-2) on Sunday in a key AFC game.

Butker won't be on the field when the Chiefs (9-0) visit the Buffalo Bills (8-2) on Sunday trying to win an 16th consecutive game dating to last season.

Eighth among NFL kickers in points with 75 this season, Butker connected on 18 of 20 field-goal attempts and 21 of 22 extra points. Both of the missed field goals were on tries beyond 50 yards.

Butker's career 89.21 field-goal percentage ranks third in NFL history.

The Chiefs have won seven of nine games by a one-possession margin in 2024. Their last visit to Buffalo was a 27-24 nail-biter win in last seasons's AFC Divisional Playoffs, and the regular-season meeting with the Bills was a 20-17 loss. The Chiefs also dropped a 24-20 decision to the Bills in the 2022 regular season.

A 25-year-old rookie from Notre Dame, Shrader connected on both of his field-goal attempts for the Jets last week at Arizona. He joined the Jets after being released by the Indianapolis Colts, who used Shrader in Week 1 for three successful PATs as the injury replacement for placekicker Matt Gay.

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and played college football only after first pursuing a pro soccer career. He enrolled at USF in 2019 and was the primary kicker for four seasons. As a graduate transfer in 2023, Shrader had four 50-yard field goals for the Fighting Irish.

Butker, 29, signed a self-negotiated four-year, $25.6 million extension in August that made him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.

Butker set the Super Bowl record for longest field goal during the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year. Butker's 57-yard field goal with 5:01 left in the third quarter supplanted the previous record that had been set just one quarter earlier by 49ers rookie Jake Moody, who kicked a 55-yarder to give San Francisco an early 3-0 lead.

Originally drafted out of Georgia Tech by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Butker has played all seven of his NFL seasons with the Chiefs.

Shrader participated in the Colts' 2024 offseason program and training camp after originally signing with the team as an undrafted free agent.

The Bills (8-2) appear to be the greatest impediment standing in the way of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs becoming the first NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season since the New England Patriots in 2007.

History and hyperbole are plentiful as the Chiefs (9-0) land in Buffalo for what is being framed as the marquee game of Week 11 and potentially the 2024 regular season.

Based on recent matchups between these rivals, the final minutes are likely to be worth the wait yet again in this storybook series. The Chiefs have come from behind eight times this season, while the Bills have won three teams when trailing at the half.

It's just the fifth time since 1970 that NFL teams with eight or more wins meet in Week 11 or sooner. The home team won each of the previous four matchups.

Kansas City is attempting to become the first team to go undefeated in a 17-game regular season.

It's tough to discern where the momentum stands even with the Chiefs entering the game undefeated.

They needed a last-second blocked field goal to knock off the Denver Broncos last week, sparking Mahomes to send a warning to his teammates.

"I mean, you're playing the best. The best of the best. That's what you want in this league," he said of facing Josh Allen and the Bills. "I've been able to go up against Josh a multitude of times, and every single game it seems like it comes down to the very end. He is a guy that competes and has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team."

Buffalo, which has won five consecutive wins overall, has claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January.

Despite owning good individual stats against Kansas City, Allen is focusing on the bottom line.

"I know we haven't beat them in the playoffs," he said on Wednesday, "so that's the only thing that really matters."

The matchup features two of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL: two-time MVP Mahomes and the decorated but overshadowed Allen.

Their offenses have been getting the job done in different ways. Although Mahomes has just three more touchdowns (12) than interceptions, Kansas City hangs onto the ball thanks to a league-leading third-down conversion rate (52 percent).

The Bills are tied for third in points per game (29) -- the Chiefs average 24.3 -- and Allen didn't throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.

Red-zone defense figures to be paramount against a Chiefs offense that keys off Mahomes' dynamic decision-making and threat to run or unleash brazen throws.

Buffalo allows touchdowns on just 47.2 percent of red-zone incursions (eighth in the NFL), while the Chiefs have scored on 53.6 percent of the time (13th).

The Kansas City defense, meanwhile, allows just 17.9 points per game (tied for fifth best) and is fourth in yards allowed (289.9).

"I think they do a great job switching the looks that they're giving," Allen said. "Obviously, we know Chris Jones is a game-wrecker, one of the best if not the best interior D linemen in the game right now. You pair that up with some of their DBs and linebackers and they're flying all over the field. ... We're going to have our hands full."

Allen is tied for fourth in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes. All four of his interceptions this season have come in the past three games.

"He's doing a great job with the ball," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He's using everybody and he's not forcing anything in there, obviously, so I think he's doing great with his decision-making."

However, Allen's decimated receiving corps will present another difficult scenario against Kansas City. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman is out with a wrist injury, wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is questionable after sitting out Wednesday. Right tackle Spencer Brown (ankle) also did not practice on Wednesday.

The Chiefs reported no significant injuries on Wednesday and actually had encouraging news with defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) returning to practice. Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was closer to returning, whereas Pacheco and Omenihu weren't viewed as candidates to play Sunday.

"We'll see as we go through practice, but if it's up to him, he's back," Reid said of Smith-Schuster.

After Sunday, the Chiefs finish the regular season with the Panthers, Raiders, Chargers, Browns, Texans, Steelers and Broncos. Those teams have averaged four wins so far this season. Only the Chargers, Texans and Steelers currently have a winning record. Kansas City beat the Chargers 17-10 in Los Angeles on Sept. 29.

Mahomes confirmed his home in Cass County, a gated community which requires visitors to clear through two access points to enter the neighborhood, was hit around midnight on Sunday, Oct. 6. Police reports credit a bodyguard with alerting authorities.

"Obviously, it's frustrating. It's disappointing. I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," Mahomes said Wednesday. "But obviously it's something that you don't want to happen to, really anybody, but obviously yourself."

Mahomes' sprawling residence in Belton, Mo., was burglarized not long before Kelce's Leawood, Kan., home was broken into early in the morning of Oct. 7 on the night of the Chiefs' win over the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football."

Police reports state Kelce claimed damage to an entry door and the theft of $20,000 cash.

Kelce and celebrity girlfriend Taylor Swift stayed at a downtown hotel that night, according to the police incident report.

They could be available for Sunday's showdown as the undefeated Chiefs (9-0) visit the Buffalo Bills (8-2) for a clash of AFC division leaders in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Pacheco was placed on injured reserve Sept. 18 with a broken fibula sustained in a Week 2 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Omenihu has been recovering from a torn ACL sustained in last year's AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Pacheco, 25, rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 54 yards in two games before the injury. He has accumulated 2,328 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns in 33 games (26 starts) since Kansas City drafted him in the seventh round in 2022.

Omenihu, 27, had a career-high seven sacks in 11 games (one start) in his first season with the Chiefs in 2023. He has 18.5 sacks in 72 career games (11 starts) with the Houston Texans (2019-21), San Francisco 49ers (2021-22) and Kansas City. He was a fifth-round pick by Houston in 2019.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 266 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs (9-0), who exhaled after a late blunder put them in a precarious position.

Butker, who also connected on field goals of 36 and 28 yards, sent the kickoff after his final make of the afternoon out of bounds, giving the Broncos the ball at their own 40-yard line.

Denver (5-5) capitalized on favorable field position and was set up for a chip shot to win the game, but Chenal and the special teams preserved the victory by blocking Wil Lutz's field-goal attempt.

A defensive turnaround spurred the Chiefs and helped offset inconsistency in the red zone. After allowing 192 yards in the first half, Kansas City yielded just 68 yards in the second half.

Denver took a 14-10 lead into halftime, moving the ball quickly and effectively during a pair of second-quarter touchdown drives.

Bo Nix, who was 14-for-20 passing for 160 yards in the first half, ended both possessions with touchdown passes, connecting with Devaughn Vele for 6 yards and with Courtland Sutton for 32.

Nix finished 22 of 30 for 215 yards. Audric Estime gained 53 yards on 14 yards and Sutton had six caches for 70 yards.

Sutton's TD with 6:39 to go in the second quarter put the Broncos ahead 14-3, marking the largest deficit the Chiefs have faced during their 15-game winning streak that includes the postseason.

KC responded with a 14-play, 65-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 2-yard scoring pass from Mahomes to Travis Kelce, who had eight catches for 64 yards.

Kareem Hunt had 100 yards of total offense for the Chiefs, including 65 yards on seven catches.

Attempting to match a career long with a 60-yard field goal in the closing moments of the first half, Lutz was well short. Mecole Hardman retrieved the attempt deep in the end zone and returned it 57 yards to the Chiefs 48 as time expired.

Denver finished with four sacks.

Chiefs left tackle Wanya Morris left the game with a knee injury in the second half but returned in the fourth quarter.

While Mahomes is dealing with a sore left ankle, he insists it won't be a concern Sunday as the unbeaten Chiefs host the Denver Broncos.

"When you have a little bit of a roll, it's a little bit sore," Mahomes said of his ankle ailment, which he aggravated on Monday. "But I'm able to move around and look forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."

Kareem Hunt scored a 2-yard touchdown run in OT to give the Chiefs a 30-24 victory and cap a 106-yard day on the ground.

Despite hobbling off the field against Tampa Bay due to the ankle injury that first occurred a week earlier, Mahomes went 34-for-44 for 291 yards and three touchdowns.

Recent acquisition DeAndre Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Travis Kelce enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 14 passes for 100 yards.

Now Kansas City will take aim at AFC West rival Denver (5-4). Off to an 8-0 start for the third time in franchise history, the Chiefs enter with a 14-game winning streak dating to last year, including the postseason.

With Mahomes' mobility possibly in question due to the ankle issue, the quality of the footing on the field might turn into an issue on Sunday. Not only is there a chance of rain this weekend in Kansas City, but the game will follow a Saturday college contest between Kansas and Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Jayhawks are playing four games in Kansas City, Mo., this season (plus two in Kansas City, Kan.) as their campus venue in Lawrence, Kan., is renovated.

Kansas City boasts a stranglehold on the recent series with Denver, earning victories in 16 of the past 17 matchups since 2015. The only Broncos win in that span was the latest meeting, a 24-9 decision in October 2023 at Denver.

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix already figured to face an uphill climb in a hostile environment against the two-time reigning Super Bowl champs. The challenge could accelerate given the Chiefs' successes against first-year signal-callers. Since 2019, Kansas City is 11-1 versus such passers, losing only to the Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert during that run.

"I think these games are fun because there's a level of excitement, a level of passion going into the game," Nix said. "Again, I go back: These are the games you grew up watching and dreaming about playing, and so if you're not ready for these games, you probably don't belong in the league."

With Baltimore Ravens counterpart Lamar Jackson posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating last week, Nix nearly was assured to look flawed by comparison. Nix passed for 223 yards and an interception in Denver's 41-10 road defeat but caught a touchdown pass on a trick play.

"There are still so many learning moments for him," Denver coach Sean Payton said. "In other words, each week is another classroom, another test, and I like the way he's progressing. I like the poise after each series and after the game. You feel his maturity."

The Chiefs had two players sit out practice on Wednesday: wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee). Mahomes was a full participant.

No Broncos were absent for all of practice on Wednesday.

Mahomes said Wednesday that he's able to "move around" on the ankle, which he said is sore "when you have a little bit of a roll." He told reporters he's looking "forward to getting out to practice and seeing how I can push it as the week goes on."

The unbeaten Chiefs (8-0) begin practicing for a game against division rival Denver (5-4) on Sunday in K.C.

Mahomes aggravated the ankle on a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs' 30-24 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Mahomes had to be helped to the sideline but did not miss a play. He threw for 291 yards and three TDs.

Mahomes first injured the ankle in Week 8.

The two-time MVP has thrown for 1,942 yards and 11 touchdowns against nine interceptions this season.

Patrick Mahomes passed for 291 yards and three touchdowns despite aggravating his left ankle injury while helping Kansas City (8-0) win its 14th consecutive game, including the postseason. DeAndre Hopkins caught two touchdown passes in his second game for Kansas City.

The Buccaneers scored a tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation, but the Chiefs won the coin toss at the start of overtime and never allowed Tampa Bay to possess the ball again. It was the first time all season Kansas City reached the 30-point mark.

Hunt rushed for 106 yards on 27 carries, Travis Kelce had 14 receptions for 100 yards and Hopkins had eight catches for 86 yards. Mahomes connected on 34 of 44 passes.

Baker Mayfield completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers (4-5). Cade Otton had eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Ryan Miller caught the tying 1-yard pass with 27 seconds to play in the fourth quarter.

Kansas City drove 70 yards on 10 plays in overtime.

The Chiefs knotted the score at 17 on Mahomes' 7-yard touchdown pass to Samaje Perine with 14:14 left in the fourth.

Mahomes reinjured the ankle on the play. He was running toward the line of scrimmage and took an awkward step before making a shot put-like throw to Perine.

Mahomes eventually needed to be helped off the field, and he entered the medical tent. A short time later, Mahomes jogged down the sideline and then returned to the contest when Kansas City next had possession.

Mahomes wasn't hampered on the Chiefs' ensuing march as he guided a 15-play, 78-yard drive over 8:26 during pouring rain. He hit Hopkins with a 5-yard scoring pass to give Kansas City a 24-17 lead with 4:17 to go.

The Buccaneers answered with a 10-play, 71-yard drive to force OT.

Tampa Bay trailed by three at the half before using 10 third-quarter points to take a 17-10 lead.

Bucky Irving returned the second-half kickoff 46 yards to the Tampa Bay 49-yard line to get things started. The Buccaneers then moved 51 yards on six plays with Mayfield connecting with Otton on a 11-yard scoring pass with 11:36 left in the third quarter.

The Buccaneers' lead grew to seven on Chase McLaughlin's 47-yard field goal with 5:50 left in the period.

Earlier, Kansas City struck first when Harrison Butker kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:16 left in the first quarter.

Tampa Bay answered with a Rachaad White scoring on a 7-yard run for a 7-3 lead with 10:23 left in the second quarter.

On Kansas City's next possession, Hopkins made a stellar 35-yard grab between two defenders to give the Chiefs the ball at the 3-yard line. Three plays later, Mahomes threw a 1-yard scoring pass to Hopkins.

Despite being 7-0, things haven't gone smoothly for Kansas City with mounting injuries at skill positions.

Wide receivers Rashee Rice (knee), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), and Skyy Moore (groin) are all on injured reserve, while JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss a second straight week after reaggravating his hamstring.

Kansas City is also without starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula).

But the Chiefs moved quickly to add reinforcements, signing free agent running back Kareem Hunt and trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

The Buccaneers won't have much sympathy for the Chiefs. Tampa Bay lost top two best wide receivers, Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring), to injuries in Week 7.

Back-to-back defeats dropped the Bucs to 4-4, and it's unlikely that the team will be a buyer before the trade deadline.

As things stand, it's difficult to see a path to victory for the Buccaneers in what figures to be a tricky spot on the road against the Chiefs.

Weather could lead to slow start for Buccaneers

While it's fair to debate whether Kansas City is worthy of being a massive 9-point favorite, there are other factors we must consider for this matchup.

The weather could play a critical role as the forecast calls for extended periods of rain with wind.

Such conditions could be detrimental for the Bucs, who are more used to playing under clear skies and warm Florida sun.

If the Buccaneers fall behind, it's difficult to see the offense gaining traction after consecutive double-digit losses.

Considering their injuries at wide receiver, the last thing you'd want if you're Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is to throw a wet ball to receivers who lack significant reps with the first team.

The weather and limited options at wide receiver could make Tampa Bay's offense look unbalanced.

Although there's no disputing that the Buccaneers have one of the better rushing attacks in football, they'll face a Chiefs team that ranks second in the FTN Fantasy Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) against the run.

Kansas City is also one of four teams limiting opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game.

Offensively, the Chiefs are willing to take risks in the passing game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes still has weapons at wide receiver with Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and the reliable Travis Kelce at tight end.

Teams have had their way with this Tampa Bay defense and the Bucs are being hit with big plays. The Buccaneers rank 31st in opponent yards per carry (5.2), and they're tied for the league-worst in yards per play (6.0). Tampa allowed 15 TD passes in the first eight games of the season.

While the Buccaneers attempt to get their footing early in the game, watch for Kansas City to land a few haymakers, making the Chiefs' first-half spread of -4.5 an intriguing option worthy of strong consideration.

Best bet: Chiefs 1H -4.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

Prop Shop: Kareem Hunt has become a central figure in the Kansas City offense since rejoining the Chiefs. With injuries at wide receiver and the Buccaneers giving up 131.6 yards and one rushing touchdown per game, Monday night should be no different.

Pick: Kareem Hunt 10-plus rushing yards in every quarter, +390

And that's totally fine with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes and the Chiefs (7-0) will look to continue their winning ways Monday night when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Five of Kansas City's victories were by seven points or fewer, and the offense hasn't scored 30 yet this season.

And Mahomes, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, doesn't have dazzling statistics. He ranks 16th in passing yardage (1,651) and has more interceptions (nine) than touchdown passes (eight).

"When we win, it doesn't as hurt as bad," Mahomes said of the statistics. "Obviously, I want to be perfect, I want to be great, I don't want to put our defense in bad positions like the other day. At the end of the day, I want to win.

"However we have to win the football game, I'm good with it."

The Kansas City defense certainly saved Mahomes on Oct. 27 during a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chiefs were leading 17-13 midway through the third quarter when Mahomes threw an interception in his own end, setting the Raiders up with first-and-goal from the Kansas City 3-yard line. The defense stuffed three straight running plays, and Tershawn Wharton sacked Gardner Minshew on fourth down to avoid damage.

That sequence also displays why the Chiefs are unbeaten -- getting key contributions and making big plays at the right time.

"We've just got to keep getting better and better as we go," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "That's the important thing, and guys are working hard."

Kansas City experienced bumps last season as well before putting things together and winning its third Super Bowl during the Reid-Mahomes era. The Chiefs have won 13 consecutive games (counting playoffs) entering the game against the Buccaneers (4-4).

Tampa Bay, which has dropped its past two games, is averaging 34.2 points over the past five games but has just two victories during that stretch.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield isn't impressed with all the points his club has scored. He also is not boasting about leading the NFL with 21 touchdown passes and ranking second in yardage (2,189).

"The one stat we should be better in is wins," Mayfield said. "That's the one stat I'm focused on."

Mayfield is tied with Mahomes and Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers with nine interceptions, the most in the NFL.

Now that's a stat Mayfield isn't thrilled to hear about.

"I don't want to turn the ball over," Mayfield said. "To me, that's shooting our whole team in the foot. That's not what I want to do. It makes me angry. Obviously, it's something I can directly fix and that's what I'm going to do."

Tampa Bay will be without standout receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) for a second straight game. The Buccaneers also are without Chris Godwin for the long term after he dislocated his left ankle against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 21.

While Tampa Bay's offense has been potent, the defense has allowed 30 or more points in three of the past four games. That doesn't sit well with Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles.

"We can make 62 good plays and five bad plays and it goes haywire," Bowles said. "We've got to cut out the bad plays. We understand that. We're working on it daily. If we cut out the bad plays and play the rest of the game, we'll be OK."

Joining Evans on the sideline at practice on Wednesday were linebacker Lavonte David (ankle/chest), defensive lineman Greg Gaines (calf), running back Bucky Irving (toe) and receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring).

For the Chiefs, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), offensive lineman Ethan Driskell (illness) and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson (concussion) sat out on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers have won six of the past eight meetings, including a 31-9 rout behind Tom Brady in the Super Bowl following the 2020 season.

The Chiefs are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Patriots, NFL Network reported.

Uche was an 11th-hour "healthy scratch" ahead of New England's win over the New York Jets on Sunday.

Uche, 26, has 13 tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hits in seven games (one start) for the Patriots this season. He has 20.5 career sacks in 58 games (four starts), including a career-best 11.5 in 2022.

The Patriots selected Uche in the second round of the 2020 draft.

Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City (7-0), which is the NFL's last unbeaten team this season. Kareem Hunt added a touchdown on the ground and Xavier Worthy had a TD catch.

Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas (2-6). Jakobi Meyers and D.J. Turner had one touchdown catch apiece.

Kansas City outgained Las Vegas 334-228. The Chiefs converted 12 of 16 opportunities on third down for a 75 percent success rate, and the Raiders converted six of 13 third-down chances for a 46 percent success rate.

The Chiefs opened the scoring on their first possession. Hunt finished the 70-yard drive with a 1-yard run for his fourth touchdown in as many games this season.

The Raiders evened the score at 7-7 with 2:39 remaining in the first quarter. Minshew connected with Meyers for a 7-yard touchdown to complete a 12-play, 70-yard drive.

Daniel Carlson drilled a 54-yard field goal to put the Raiders on top 10-7 with 10:13 to go in the second quarter.

Kansas City regained a 14-10 lead with 1:57 left in the second quarter. Mahomes spotted Kelce open near the goal line and fired a strike for a 5-yard score.

Harrison Butker added a 42-yard field goal to increase the Chiefs' lead to 17-10 with 4 seconds left in the first half.

Las Vegas pulled within 17-13 on Carlson's 32-yard field goal midway through the third quarter.

Butker responded with his second field goal for Kansas City. He made a 24-yarder to put the Chiefs on top 20-13 with 8:44 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Worthy caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to boost the Chiefs' lead to 27-13 with 4:59 remaining. The play marked Worthy's third touchdown of his rookie campaign.

The Raiders pulled within 27-20 with 2:03 to go. Minshew hit Turner for an 11-yard touchdown on the 13th play of a 70-yard drive.

Las Vegas couldn't convert the onside kick and Kansas City was able to run out the clock.

Hopkins' acquisition from the Tennessee Titans became official Thursday with the Chiefs parting with a conditional fifth-round draft pick to land the 32-year-old. NFL Network reported the compensation would become a fourth-round selection if Kansas City reaches the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60 percent of the snaps in the Chiefs' final 11 regular-season games.

The Chiefs are all hands on deck at wide receiver these days due to injuries. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (right knee) are on IR and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).

Hopkins has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) for the Titans this season.

Adding to the offensive arsenal on the fly is nothing new for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is sharing the backfield with recently re-signed Kareem Hunt with Isiah Pacheco (leg) on injured reserve. The Chiefs acquired wide receivers at midseason the past two years, landing Kadarius Toney from the Giants in 2022 and Mecole Hardman from the Jets last fall.

Hopkins brings a minuscule drop rate -- under 4 percent -- and a penchant for coming down with passes in jump-ball situations. Those factors could show up quickly for an offense uncharacteristically punchless in the red zone before getting four touchdowns in five trips inside the 49ers' 20 last week.

"Yeah, I think in my time, we've had receivers that can make some of those contested catches, and once you build that relationship and build that trust, you put him up there and let guys go out there and make plays," Mahomes said. "I think that's what's special about coach (Andy) Reid's offense: It adapts to whoever's in there. He has different ways he can utilize your strengths. And then it's my job to go out there and put guys in chances, give them chances to go out there and make plays."

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Hopkins led the Titans in catches (75), receiving yards (1,057) and receiving touchdowns (seven) in 17 games (16 starts) last season.

Hopkins has 943 career receptions for 12,528 yards and 79 touchdowns in 168 games (164 starts) for the Houston Texans (2013-19), Arizona Cardinals (2020-22) and Titans.

The Texans selected him 27th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs (6-0) haven't lost since last Christmas Day -- 20-14 to the Raiders.

And it's likely the Chiefs will take a new present to Las Vegas. Reports surfaced earlier this week that the team was acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans. The 12th-year receiver has totaled just 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games for the Titans, but the three-time All-Pro has seven 1,000-yard seasons to his credit, including last season when he posted 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven scores.

The Chiefs need help in their receiver corps as JuJu Smith-Schuster left Sunday's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers after aggravating a hamstring injury. Coach Andy Reid already ruled out Smith-Schuster against the Raiders.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs offense is operating without Rashee Rice, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in a Week 4 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With the trade not yet official on Wednesday afternoon, Reid declined to talk about Hopkins during his midweek availability with the media. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes already is looking forward to playing with Hopkins.

"I think our coaches do a great job of getting guys up to speed, and you've seen that throughout this year already," Mahomes told reporters Wednesday. "Bringing in guys, getting them up to speed fast, and then let them go out there and make an impact and do what they're great at."

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Wednesday that he expects the Chiefs to have a few plays designed for Hopkins should he be on the roster Sunday.

Hopkins wouldn't be the Raiders' only concern against the Chiefs, however.

"To be honest, no disrespect to Hop, this offense still goes through (tight end Travis Kelce) and (rookie receiver Xavier) Worthy now down the field vertically," Pierce said.

Kansas City's offense has lost some of the production it generated in recent years. Mahomes has thrown for just 1,389 yards in six games this season. He also leads the NFL with eight interceptions and has thrown only six touchdown passes. No Chiefs player has caught more than Kelce's 28 passes this season or accumulated more than Rice's 288 yards through the air.

The Raiders (2-5) enter Week 8 as losers of three straight games. Pierce said Wednesday the team needs to be more disciplined on offense. In last week's 20-15 loss at the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas committed four turnovers, including three interceptions from quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Pierce said he expects the Chiefs defense, which has allowed the fourth-fewest total points in the league, to make it tough for Minshew and company.

"The pressure this year, you see them kind of morphing into something different," the Raiders coach said. "They got different personnel groupings, playing not as blitz-happy. But they're still aggressive."

Las Vegas is expected to welcome wide receiver Jakobi Meyers back this week after he missed the past two games with an ankle injury. The veteran was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, as were defensive tackle Adam Butler (hip) and linebackers Tommy Eichenberg (quad) and Kana'i Mauga (knee). Tight end Harrison Bryant (elbow) and offensive linemen Kolten Miller (elbow) and Dylan Parham (foot) did not practice, but Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) was a full participant.

For the Chiefs, defensive end Mike Danna (pectoral) did not practice and running back Kareem Hunt (hip) was limited.

The trade is expected to be completed later on Wednesday, per ESPN.

The Chiefs have endured several significant injuries at the position this season.

Offseason acquisition Marquise "Hollywood" Brown sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in the preseason. Rashee Rice's season came to an abrupt end due to a right knee injury in Week 4, and JuJu Smith-Schuster aggravated a hamstring injury in Kansas City's 28-18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Smith-Schuster already has been ruled out for the Chiefs (6-0) ahead of this Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).

Hopkins, 32, has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Hopkins led the Titans in catches (75), receiving yards (1,057) and receiving touchdowns (seven) in 17 games (16 starts) last season.

Hopkins has 943 career receptions for 12,528 yards and 79 touchdowns in 168 games (164 starts) for the Houston Texans (2013-19), Arizona Cardinals (2020-22) and Titans.

The Texans selected him 27th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

Watson will have surgery on a broken fibula and tibia in his ankle, ESPN reported, and while he could make it back in time for the playoffs, it's far from a guarantee.

Watson, 26, was injured in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers that pushed the Chiefs to 6-0. He had started all six games and recorded 32 tackles and six pass breakups.

Watson has played in 38 games (14 starts) since being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. He returned a pick 99 yards for a touchdown in his second career game, which remains his only interception. He also has 114 tackles, two sacks and 18 pass breakups.

Kansas City signed cornerback Keith Taylor from the practice squad to the active roster in a corresponding move.

Coach Andy Reid also ruled out starting cornerback Jaylen Watson on Monday. Watson, 26, reportedly suffered a fractured ankle and could be done for the season.

Smith-Schuster, 27, left Sunday's 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter after aggravating the hamstring he first injured Thursday in practice. He was not targeted prior to exiting.

Smith-Schuster has nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.

Watson was on crutches and wearing a cast after the game. He was having tests Monday to determine the severity of the injury and whether he could return this season.

Watson has recorded six passes defensed and 32 tackles through six starts.

The Chiefs (6-0) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards with two interceptions for Kansas City (6-0) but ripped off a career-high 33-yard run to set up a key fourth-quarter touchdown. The Chiefs outrushed San Francisco 184-101 and possessed the ball for more than 35 minutes while winning the rematch of last season's Super Bowl won by Kansas City.

Brock Purdy hit 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards but tossed three interceptions, two of them ending potential scoring drives in the second half. The 49ers (3-4) were missing three offensive starters by the time the game ended. Wide receivers Deebo Samuel (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) left before halftime and tackle Trent Williams was ejected late in the fourth quarter for throwing a punch.

San Francisco pulled within 14-12 with 10:29 left in the third quarter when Purdy rushed for the first of his two touchdowns from a yard out but the 49ers failed to make the two-point conversion. It was driving for a possible go-ahead score when Purdy was picked off by Chris Roland-Wallace at the 21-yard line.

Kansas City then ripped off a 79-yard, 13-play drive that lasted nearly seven minutes. Mahomes' big run set up first-and-goal at the 4 and he scored on a fourth-down run from the 1 with 14:13 left in the game.

After Purdy's third interception, the Chiefs sealed the outcome by marching 80 yards in 6:20. Mecole Hardman peeled off an 18-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep with 3:09 remaining for an insurmountable 28-12 advantage.

Purdy added his second 1-yard scoring run at the 1:08 mark but the 49ers couldn't tack on the two-point conversion or recover an onside kick, sealing the outcome.

Kansas City took a 14-6 advantage at the half as Hunt, who finished with 78 yards on 22 carries, scored on runs of 1 and 6 yards in the second quarter.

Anders Carlson hit field goals of 55 and 24 yards for San Francisco.

The Chiefs are chasing a three-peat and are off to a 5-0 start, stringing together 11 consecutive wins dating to last Christmas through the postseason. Inarguably their greatest win in that batch was the 25-22 overtime victory in which the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit and captured the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII.

San Francisco is 3-3 after taking head coach Kyle Shanahan termed a "must win" in his locker room before an NFC West grudge match at Seattle on Oct. 10. He is not going quite that far this week, but there is no denying how important the 49ers believe Sunday could be to their 2024 season.

"I try to have the same conversation every week, just word it a little differently -- I never want to say 'must win,'" Shanahan said. "I see this game like I see all games. Every game matters. But I didn't choose those words (must win) this week."

While the 49ers are relatively rested from a 10-day window between games and want the rematch, the timing of rolling out the red carpet for the NFL's crownbearer isn't entirely perfect. Kansas City had last week off.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid owns the NFL's highest winning percentage coming out of a bye week. He is 21-4 (.840), including an 8-3 record coming out of a bye week in the regular season with Kansas City.

In addition, the Niners aren't exactly a picture of health. They are still without 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, and his backup, Jordan Mason, the No. 2 rusher in the NFL this season, left last week's game with a sprained shoulder.

Also, 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and kicker Jake Moody (right ankle sprain) did not practice Wednesday. Wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) was limited.

Defensive end Mike Danna (pectoral) was the lone regular who didn't practice out of the bye for the Chiefs.

Shanahan said shifts in scheme have been common in matchups with the Chiefs, altering tendencies on offense and defense in the fourth quarter particularly. The bottom line for all opponents trying to solve Kansas City is beating quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"Everyone says 'down year' because their numbers aren't just crazy. But Pat's as good as it gets," said Shanahan, who is 0-7 in his career against Reid as an assistant or head coach. "He's been as good as it gets since the first year he got to play. All of their games except for one has come down to the last possession, and he's as good as it gets in that situation."

Shanahan's record vs. Reid includes two defeats in 49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl matchups. Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 in February 2020.

Injuries are not an excuse the Chiefs are introducing. Though refreshed after a week off, Kansas City is far from full strength with 12 games to go in the regular season.

The Chiefs head West without No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) and the team's top two wide receivers Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (knee), who are all on injured reserve. Familiar faces rejoined the Chiefs in recent weeks and now find themselves in prominent roles alongside Mahomes. Kareem Hunt is working as the top running back again for the Chiefs, and Kansas City rediscovered JuJu Smith-Schuster, signed off the street in August, in a seven-catch, 130-yard effort in Week 5 vs. New Orleans.

The depth-chart roulette also invited Mahomes to reconnect with Travis Kelce. The tight end has 16 catches for 159 yards in the past two games, a major part of the Mahomes mentality not to lament who isn't available for a given game.

"I'm just excited for the guys who continue to get better each and every week," Mahomes said. "I think we've got the guys to do it."

The offensive numbers are relatively modest to start this season from Mahomes' best statistical seasons. He has as many TDs (six) as INTs in 2024. Kansas City enters the week 15th in scoring (23.6 per game), ninth in passing (236.8 yards per game) and 11th in total offense (354.6 yards per game).

Reid said avoiding penalties and turnovers was an emphasis after a self-scout during the bye week.

"We can do a better job of not stopping ourselves with things," Reid said. "Whether it's penalties or dropped balls, we've had a couple of those. Schematically, we go back and we hammer through that. We can help out the guys in some of the areas, too, just putting them in a little bit better position."

The 49ers are thriving even with an evolving cast, averaging 27 points (ninth in the league), 420 total yards (second), 262 passing yards (second) and 158 rushing yards (third) entering Week 7. And only four teams have fewer defensive takeaways than the Chiefs (four).

However, as 49ers linebacker Fred Warner painfully framed this week, Mahomes has never lost to the 49ers. He is 4-0 with 1,356 pass yards (339 per contest), 11 TDs (10 pass, one rush) with a combined passer rating of 104.6 when facing San Francisco.

"They still got 15 back there. I have yet to beat him," Warner said. "I have played against him maybe four times now and have yet to beat him. I think it's an important game for us to try and get over that hump and get the win."

With a win Sunday in Santa Clara, Kansas City would become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season 6-0. The only times the Chiefs began 6-0 were 2003, when they finished 13-3 but lost in the AFC divisional playoffs, and 2013, when they went 11-5 and fell in an AFC wild-card game.

Rice, 24, is facing a long recovery and rehabilitation period following posterolateral corner surgery on his injured right knee.

"It's probably the same result you get timewise as an ACL. It takes a while for that to come back," Reid said. "He'll get into his rehab and get rolling on that as we go here."

Rice was injured when he accidentally collided with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a Week 4 road win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

He caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in four starts in his second NFL season. The 2023 second-round pick has 103 receptions for 1,226 yards and nine scores in 20 career games (12 starts).

The Chiefs (5-0) are coming off their bye week. They visit the San Francisco 49ers (3-3) on Sunday for a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII.

JuJu Smith-Schuster caught seven passes for 130 yards and Travis Kelce made nine receptions for 70 yards to help the Chiefs (5-0) overcome the absence of injured wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice.

Hunt rushed for 102 yards, while Mahomes completed 28 of 39 passes with one interception.

New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr completed 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns with one interception before leaving the game because of an oblique injury in the fourth quarter.

Rashid Shaheed finished with four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, but the Saints (2-3) lost their third consecutive game.

The Chiefs had an opportunity to extend their 16-7 halftime lead on the first possession of the third quarter, but Butker's 51-yard field goal hit the right upright and caromed wide.

Kansas City drove to the New Orleans 2-yard line on its next possession, but a Mahomes pass was intercepted in the end zone by defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who returned to the New Orleans 35. Both teams went scoreless in the third quarter.

On the second play of the fourth quarter Carr threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau, pulling New Orleans within 16-13. Blake Grupe's extra-point kick was no good.

The Chiefs needed just five plays to answer as Mahomes connected with Smith-Schuster for a 50-yard gain and Kelce received a direct snap and handed to Worthy for a 3-yard touchdown run and a 23-13 lead.

Butker's 38-yard field goal completed the scoring with 3:03 remaining.

On Kansas City's first possession, Hunt ran 5 yards for a touchdown that gave the hosts a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Chiefs increased the lead on a 26-yard field goal from Butker before Carr threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Shaheed to pull New Orleans within 10-7.

Kansas City overcame a second-and-34 on its way to a 34-yard Butker field goal, and the kicker added a 28-yarder to increase the lead to nine points entering halftime.

Rice is scheduled for surgery Tuesday, and while LCL surgery will cause at least a three-month recovery time, it's possible his ACL and other ligaments remain intact in his right knee, which will help reduce recovery time.

Rice was injured in the first quarter of the Chiefs' 17-10 victory over the host Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 29 when he took an inadvertent hit from his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes threw an interception to Los Angeles cornerback Kristian Fulton, whose 29-yard return ended when Rice came up from behind him and poked the ball loose. Mahomes was simultaneously trying to make a tackle as Rice forced the fumble, and the signal-caller crashed into Rice's right knee.

Rice, 24, was placed on injured reserve in the week leading up to Monday night's home game against the New Orleans Saints. Kansas City (4-0) is approaching its bye week, followed by games at San Francisco on Oct. 20, at Las Vegas on Oct. 27 and at home against Tampa Bay on Nov. 4.

Rice is the Chiefs' leading receiver in catches (24), targets (29), yards (288) and touchdowns (two, tied with Xavier Worthy).

A second-round selection by Kansas City in the 2023 NFL Draft out of SMU, Rice has hauled in 103 passes for 1,226 yards and nine TDs in 20 career regular-season games (12 starts).

When they meet Sunday at Los Angeles, Kansas City (3-0) seeks a sixth consecutive win over the Chargers (2-1) as the home team introduces first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh to what has become a one-sided AFC West fight with Reid and Mahomes. Turning the tables won't be easy.

"Multiple challenges," Harbaugh said of facing the Chiefs before Los Angeles enters its bye week. "Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense. I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in every way. His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite."

Modest statistical production to date is becoming a hot topic outside of the Chiefs' locker room. Kansas City is 14th in the NFL in total offense (328 yards per game) and the usual lead receiver, perennial Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, is off to an admittedly slow start with eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in three games.

He's one reception from tying Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record with 916 catches, and Kelce's next TD catch from Mahomes would break a tie on the NFL's all-time list with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham of the Saints for third-most QB-TE touchdown connections. But Reid said the narrative of Kelce being "old" or "distracted" is false.

"Defenses don't think that," Reid said. "We have another receiver who plays opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches. That's how this thing goes. Travis is fine. He's being Trav. He works his tail off. He hasn't lost a step and all those things. He's not distracted. People are making sure they have him taking care of, these defenses."

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is working through an ankle injury while starring as Mahomes' featured target in September with an NFL-high 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 659 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.

The Chargers present a hefty challenge with a defense ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense (11 points per game, third), yards per game (267, sixth), run defense (91.7 per game, sixth) and pass defense (175.3 per game, 10th).

"It's a physical football team, both sides of the ball," said Reid, who has a record of 17-5 against the Chargers since taking over the Chiefs in 2013. "You've got to be ready for a complete game. Their defenses are going to give you a variety of looks. One of the top defenses in the NFL right now."

Mahomes will look across the line at a defense with a few missing pieces. Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice. Safety Derwin James Jr. was suspended for Week 4 after being penalized for unnecessary roughness at Pittsburgh.

Elijah Molden or A.J. Finley will get the start -- along with Alohi Gilman -- at safety against the Chiefs.

"He genuinely cares and does not want to hurt anybody," Harbaugh said of James' one-game ban from the NFL. "He wants to do it the way the league wants it done and the evidence is there.

"It will be next man-up mentality."

The Chargers outscored the Raiders and host Panthers 48-13 before dropping their first game this season 20-10 to the host Steelers in Week 3.

Harbaugh spent last week crossing his fingers that Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert could answer the call to start at Pittsburgh. Herbert spent two days after the Week 2 win over Carolina in a walking boot to stabilize an ankle injury and did very light work on the field in practice leading up game day, but did play in the loss to the Steelers.

With offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) missing practice, the Chargers' offense has injury concerns again.

But Herbert said on Wednesday he is well ahead of where he was physically last week, when his right ankle forced him to walk gingerly and avoid contact. He was limited in practice and the decision about playing against Mahomes and the Chiefs will not be entirely his to make on Sunday.

"It's progressing," Herbert said. "it was just really painful during the game with the buildup from the hits and the toll on it."

Harbaugh knows the Chiefs have owned the recent series with the Chargers, building a stockpile of AFC West division titles that stands at eight in a row. With Sunday's game on their home turf, the Chargers are hearing a lot about the importance of meeting the challenge the conference bully and two-time defending Super Bowll champion presents.

"In terms of opportunity, it's how it feels," Harbaugh said. "And we're attacking it as such."

The Chiefs return to Kansas City for their third primetime game of the season to face the Saints (2-1) on "Monday Night Football" in Week 5 before a bye week.

As long as the team keeps winning, that is.

Kelce has totaled just eight catches for 69 yards in three games this season. The four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection said Wednesday on his "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce" podcast that he feels the way opposing defenses have played the Chiefs thus far has prevented the ball from routinely coming his way.

"With how defenses are playing us right now, I'm not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays down the field but (I'm) not using that as an excuse," Travis Kelce said. "Moving forward, still trying to make sure that I help the team out in that regard knowing I've been that weapon for us in the past."

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes noted earlier in the week that Kelce is drawing plenty of attention from opposing defenses.

"Yeah, it's crazy because teams still -- the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal," Mahomes said. "It's well-deserved, but we're calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it's like two or three people are going to him. So, I mean, he understands.

"I think that's the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day."

Travis Kelce, who turns 35 on Oct. 5, led the Chiefs with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He sat out Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, forgoing a chance to stretch his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to eight in order to enter the playoffs healthy.

He has 915 receptions for 11,397 yards and 74 touchdowns in 162 regular-season games (155 starts) with the Chiefs since he was drafted in the third round in 2013.

"I've had a lot of catches in this league, man. I'm not worried about the catches and the yards and all that," Travis Kelce said. "I have the most fun when the ball is thrown my way, who doesn't? It has everything to do with execution, just making sure we're doing whatever we can to win these football games, man. That's always going to be the goal."

Kansas City (3-0) has been winning its games due in large part to wide receiver Rashee Rice, who has team-leading totals in catches (24), receiving yards (288) and touchdown receptions (two).

The Chiefs will look to remain undefeated on the young season when they visit the Chargers (2-1) on Sunday in an AFC West clash.

The Chiefs had signed Hunt, who was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie with Kansas City in 2017, to the practice squad last Wednesday when starter Isiah Pacheco went on injured reserve with a fractured fibula. Pacheco will be out a minimum of four games. Ingram had been signed to the active roster the same day.

Kansas City had turned to veteran Samaje Perine and undrafted rookie Carson Steele in Pacheco's absence before bringing in Hunt.

Hunt, 29, was a third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2017 draft and rushed for 2,151 yards and 15 touchdowns in 27 games (all starts) during his two seasons (2017-18) in Kansas City.

Kansas City released Hunt in November 2018 after a video surfaced of him shoving and kicking a woman in a hotel. After authorities did not move forward with criminal charges, Hunt rebooted his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

Hunt appeared in 15 games (two starts) for Cleveland last season, taking on a bigger workload after starter Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

In 91 career games (38 starts) with the Chiefs and Browns (2019-23), Hunt has totaled 4,436 yards and 40 TDs on the ground. He also has 226 receptions for 1,890 yards and 17 scores.

Ingram, 24, appeared in one game this season for Kansas City. He did not record a carry or a catch.

Steele, 21, started on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and had 17 carries for 72 yards, bringing his season totals up to 26 carries and 99 rushing yards in three games.

Perine, 29, had six carries for 25 yards against the Falcons.

Carson Steele ran for 72 yards as the Chiefs (3-0) won their third one-score game to begin the season. Rashee Rice hauled in 12 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Kirk Cousins completed 20 of 29 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown for Atlanta (1-2). He was also intercepted once. Drake London caught six passes for a team-high 67 yards and a touchdown.

After trailing 14-13 at halftime, the Chiefs marched to the Falcons 1-yard line on the opening possession of the second half but were forced to settle for Harrison Butker's 21-yard field goal with 9:40 remaining in the third quarter.

Mahomes later extended the Kansas City lead to 22-14 when he capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 13-yard scoring strike to JuJu Smith-Schuster with 1:16 to go in the third. Butker missed the ensuing extra-point attempt.

Younghoe Koo's 54-yard field goal on the next possession cut Atlanta's deficit to 22-17 with 12:52 left in the game.

Following a Kansas City punt, the Falcons went on a 15-play, 83-yard drive, but they came up short of the end zone after back-to-back incompletions from the Chiefs 6-yard line and turned the ball over on downs.

Atlanta worked down to the Kansas City 13 on its last drive of the game, and on fourth-and-1, Bijan Robinson was stuffed for a loss of 3 yards to give the ball back to the Chiefs with 51 seconds remaining.

Cousins found London for a 14-yard score with 11:07 left in the first quarter, and Kansas City didn't answer until there was 8:45 remaining in the second, tying things at 7 on Rice's 13-yard touchdown reception.

Robinson rushed into the end zone from 1 yard out to put the Falcons up 14-7 with 6:37 left in the first half.

Two field goals from Butker -- from 53 and 44 yards out -- in the final 2:43 of the half got the visitors within 14-13 at the break.

The two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs (2-0) narrowly escaped the Baltimore Ravens on opening night, 27-20, before Harrison Butker's 51-yard field goal with three seconds left saved the day in their one-point win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday.

For the first time this season, the Chiefs hit the road as they visit Atlanta for the first time since 2016. They will face a Falcons team that was on the brink of hosting the mighty Chiefs with an 0-2 record. After an anemic offensive showing in an 18-10 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Falcons (1-1) stole a win in Philadelphia on Monday night, using a last-minute touchdown drive to beat the Eagles 22-21.

Trailing by six with 1:39 left, Kirk Cousins led the Falcons on a six-play, 70-yard game-winning drive, earning his first win for his new team following the signing of a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta. Head coach Raheem Morris, who also secured his first win as the Falcons' head coach, wasn't surprised by the way his veteran quarterback led the final drive.

"I know what that confidence looks like from practice. I know what his confidence looks like from every day walking down the hall with him and watching his process," Morris added. "I didn't need to look at him before that drive. Before the game, we said we're going to do it for each other and that's exactly what they did."

The Falcons, who have returned to a state of relevance after several years of national apathy, are coming off their first "Monday Night Football" appearance since 2020. Now they prepare for their first "Sunday Night Football" game since 2019.

The Chiefs have won eight straight games (including the playoffs) since last year's Christmas Day loss to the Raiders. Kansas City's win streak will be put to the test on Sunday without leading rusher Isiah Pacheco.

Pacheco's leg was caught under a defender in Sunday's win, fracturing his right fibula. In his absence, the Chiefs signed former running back Kareem Hunt, who rushed for 2,151 yards with the team from 2017-18. Hunt had been in a primarily backup role with Cleveland from 2019 through last season.

"(Pacheco's) been put on IR, he's having surgery today," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. "I can't give you a time when he's going to return. We'll see if it's this season or next season."

Pacheco has run for 135 yards and a touchdown this season.

Turning the page to Sunday, Reid and company sound ready for their rare trip to Atlanta.

"Looking forward to the challenge of playing the Falcons," Reid said. "That's a great environment down there at their stadium. Raheem's done a heck of a job with that group, which was obvious Monday night. Between Jimmy (Lake), Zac (Robinson) and Marquice (Williams), they've got great coordinators. ... We need to have a good week of practice starting today and I know our guys are looking forward to the challenge of playing a good football team like this."

Three-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes enters play vying for a better performance, following a rare lackluster showing on Sunday. Mahomes threw for a pair of touchdowns against Cincinnati but was also picked off twice. The two-time NFL MVP's 151 passing yards were his fewest since throwing for a career-low 76 against Denver on Oct. 17, 2019 before dislocating his kneecap.

All time, Kansas City holds a 7-3 series lead over Atlanta. The Falcons will look for their first win over the Chiefs since Week 1 of the 2012 season.

On the injury front, everyone was a full participant in practice for the Chiefs on Wednesday while four Falcons were limited: running back Tyler Allgeier, cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr., and defensive linemen James Smith-Williams and Ta'Quon Graham.

Pacheco is expected to undergo surgery on his fractured fibula Wednesday, three days after he sustained the injury during Kansas City's 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The move on Wednesday guarantees Pacheco will sit out at least the next four games.

Reports have Pacheco sidelined for 6-8 weeks. However, Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that he could not relay a precise timeline for the running back's expected absence.

The Chiefs addressed their backfield on Wednesday by signing Keaontay Ingram to the active roster and fellow running back Kareem Hunt to the practice squad.

"We'll get (Hunt) in there and get him some work. Kind of get him back in the swing of playing and we'll just see," Reid said. "We've got to get him in a position to where he's ready to play either this, next week or the following week."

Pacheco, 25, had 90 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards on Sunday. He has a team-high 135 rushing yards through two games.

Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Pacheco has won two Super Bowl championships and racked up 2,328 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns in 33 games (26 starts). He has another 635 yards and four TDs from scrimmage in seven playoff starts.

Veteran Samaje Perine, 29, is listed as Pacheco's backup on the depth chart but played sparingly on Sunday. He's viewed as a third-down back.

Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, 21, carried seven times for 24 yards and lost a fumble against Cincinnati.

Hunt, 29, was a third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft and spent most of the first two years of his professional career in Kansas City, including a Pro Bowl rookie season in which he posted 1,327 rushing yards to lead the league.

Kansas City released Hunt in November 2018 after a video surfaced of him shoving and kicking a woman in a hotel. After authorities did not move forward with criminal charges, Hunt rebooted his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

"At the end of the day, I root for the person. He's become a better and better person," star quarterback Patrick Mahomes said of Hunt. "I'm glad to have him back in the building."

Last season, Hunt appeared in 15 games with two starts for the Browns. He was re-signed after starter Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. He rushed 135 times for 411 yards with nine touchdowns and also caught 15 passes for 84 yards.

Hunt was a free agent when he underwent surgery in January for a ruptured adductor that apparently plagued him much of the 2023 season.

In 91 career games (38 starts) with the Chiefs (2017-18) and Browns, Hunt has gained 6,326 yards from scrimmage with 57 scores.

Ingram, 24, rushed for 74 yards and had four catches for 26 yards in eight games (one start) last season with the Arizona Cardinals.

Pacheco, 25, is expected to be out 6-8 weeks with a fractured fibula. He was injured Sunday on a 1-yard run on the drive that ended with Harrison Butker's game-winning field goal in Kansas City's 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hunt, 29, was a third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft and spent most of the first two years of his professional career in Kansas City, including a Pro Bowl rookie season where he posted 1,327 rushing yards to lead the league.

Kansas City released Hunt in November 2018 after a video surfaced of him shoving and kicking a woman in a hotel. After authorities did not move forward with criminal charges, Hunt rebooted his career with the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

Last season, he appeared in 15 games with two starts for the Browns. He was re-signed after starter Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. He rushed 135 times for 411 yards with nine touchdowns and also caught 15 passes for 84 yards.

Hunt was a free agent when he underwent surgery in January for a ruptured adductor that apparently plagued him much of the 2023 season.

In 91 career games (38 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-18) and Browns, Hunt has gained 6,326 yards from scrimmage with 57 scores.

Hunt will be joining undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine as options for help in Pacheco's absence.

Pacheco had X-rays on his right ankle after the 26-25 victory and was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday.

Pacheco, 25, was seen with a walking boot and crutches leaving Arrowhead Stadium.

He left the game with under two minutes remaining after being bent backward during a tackle by one defender while another had hold of his leg during a 1-yard run. The injury occurred during the Kansas City drive that ended with Harrison Butker's game-ending 51-yard field goal.

After the game, head coach Andy Reid indicated said he was in wait-and-see mode.

"I don't actually know right now. I've just got to see," Reid said. "They're doing all the stuff right now, so I haven't really had a chance to talk to him or anything about it."

Pacheco had 90 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards on Sunday. He has a team-high 135 rushing yards through two games.

Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Pacheco has won two Super Bowl championships and racked up 2,328 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns in 33 games (26 starts). He has another 635 yards and four TDs from scrimmage in seven playoff starts.

Pacheco would have to miss at least four games if the Chiefs (2-0) place him on IR. Kansas City has a bye in Week 6, meaning his earliest return would be Oct. 27 at Las Vegas.

Veteran Samaje Perine is listed as Pacheco's backup on the depth chart but did not play on Sunday. Rookie Carson Steele, undrafted out of UCLA, carried seven times for 24 yards against Cincinnati.

Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and sporting a boot.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he was waiting on test results but indicated the injury was significant.

"The only major injury would be Isiah Pacheco," Reid said. "He's having tests on it now -- X-Rays all that stuff."

Pressed on the severity, Reid indicated he was in wait-and-see mode.

"I don't actually know right now. I've just got to see," Reid said. "They're doing all the stuff right now, so I haven't really had a chance to talk to him or anything about it."

Pacheco was injured with just under two minutes remaining, being bent backwards during a tackle by one defender while another had hold of his leg during a 1-yard run. The injury occurred during the Kansas City drive that ended with Harrison Butker's game-ending 51-yard field goal.

Pacheco had 90 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards on Sunday. He has a team-high 135 rushing yards through two games.

Pacheco rushed for 830 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2022. Last season, he rushed for 935 yards and seven scores.

Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 25 passes for just 151 yards. He tossed two touchdowns, including a 44-yarder to Rashee Rice, but added two interceptions.

With his team down two, Mahomes received one final chance after rookie safety Daijahn Anthony was called for pass interference with 38 seconds remaining as the Chiefs faced fourth-and-16 from their own 35.

Joe Burrow was 23-of-36 for 258 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Andrei Iosivas.

The game was another installment of one of the NFL's most riveting rivalries of the last four years. Burrow is 3-2 lifetime against Mahomes.

Burrow started the game completing his first six targets to tight ends for 93 yards, three of which went to Drew Sample and another two to rookie Erick All.

After a 33-yard Evan McPherson field goal made it 13-10 in the second quarter, Cincinnati's Sheldon Rankins punched the ball loose from running back Carson Steele at midfield and Germaine Pratt recovered. The Bengals converted with McPherson's third field goal of the day, a 48-yarder.

Trey Hendrickson, who beat rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia for two sacks, provided a key spark to the defense with a sack of Patrick Mahomes on Kansas City's final drive before the half.

The Chiefs drove 70 yards on the opening possession of the second half and took their first lead of the game, 17-16, on a 1-yard tackle-eligible pass to Wanya Morris.

Burrow answered with a long drive of his own, capped with a fourth-down touchdown pass of 4 yards to Iosivas. The extra point was missed and the Bengals led, 22-17.

Cam Taylor-Britt, burned on the 44-yard TD pass to Rice, redeemed himself with a spectacular one-handed grab of a Mahomes pass intended for Xavier Worthy.

Burrow was taken down on a scramble the next time the Bengals had the ball, and cornerback Chamarri Conner scooped up his fumble and ran 38 yards for the go-ahead score and a 23-22 Chiefs lead.

Ja'Marr Chase nearly cost the Bengals dearly on the next drive, as he was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty after being taken to the ground hard by corner Trent McDuffie.

Burrow came over to try and settle him down but not before the flag came out. Still, McPherson connected on his fourth field goal of the day, from 53 yards with 9:28 left in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals lost defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a left hamstring injury midway through the second quarter.

Higgins (hamstring) missed the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots and didn't practice at all this week. On Friday, the club listed Higgins as doubtful for the game against Kansas City.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor didn't sound overly optimistic while updating Higgins' injury on Friday.

"We'll see," Taylor said. "I'm not going to rule him out yet for Sunday. We'll see where he's at."

Higgins injured the hamstring during a practice on Sept. 5.

In the offseason, Cincinnati placed the $21.8 million franchise tag on Higgins to prevent him from seeking offers from other teams.

Last season, Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts). He has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 scores in four NFL seasons.

Cincinnati ruled out defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb) for Sunday. In addition to Higgins, tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) and offensive tackle Amarius Mims (pectoral) are doubtful.

Kansas City wideout Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Friday and will undergo surgery. No other Chiefs are in danger of missing the game.

Brown, 27, missed the season-opening win against the Baltimore Ravens and will be required to sit out at least the next four games. His earliest return date would be after Kansas City's bye in Week 6.

Brown has not practiced since dislocating the sternoclavicular joint in his left shoulder on the Chiefs' first offensive play in their Aug. 10 preseason opener.

Brown, 27, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City as a free agent in March. He had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games (all starts) last season for the Arizona Cardinals.

He was a first-round draft pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in 2019 and has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts) with the Ravens (2019-21) and Cardinals (2022-23).