Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Monday that he expects both Pacheco (hand/shoulder) and wideout Kadarius Toney (knee) to be available for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Lions, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports. "Organizationally, we feel pretty good those guys will be ready to play, barring no setbacks,'' Veach said.
Pacheco, who underwent offseason surgeries on his hand and shoulder, has been a limited practice participant during training camp and hasn't be cleared for contact to date. Once he's fully up to speed, Pacheco will likely work as the Chiefs' lead back, but holdovers Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire also are candidates to mix into the backfield rotation.