You know that when you’re nine and zero, you are flying! But that’s when you have got to keep your wits intact and keep doing what you have been doing to pass each game week.

And that’s what the Chiefs have been doing, pushing with all the injuries mounting. Now, ahead of Week 11, they’re up against the Bills (high on 8-2 themselves), and Coach Andy Reid’s already hinting at a few lineup twists.

The past few weeks have been tough for the Chiefs in terms of injuries, but against all odds, they’ve pulled through when it’s mattered. After all, there’s a reason they’re the defending champions and undefeated this season. But while they may be 9-0 so far, they’ve done it without their “NINE0,” a.k.a. defensive end Charles Omenihu. So, when will he be returning?

Earlier this week, Andy Reid addressed the status of not just Omenihu but also running back Isiah Pacheo (fibula fracture) and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring injury). “They’re all close. JuJu is closer than the other two. I’d tell you, we might have them out there (at practice). They’re all very close, all three of them.” This was similar to what he said during his weekly podium conference before Wednesday’s practice.

“As far as injuries go, Charles and Pacheco will start working today, and we’ll just gradually build them up as we go. And that’s really it. Everybody else is practicing.” All three of them were “limited” during practice. Reid also answered a question about Omenihu and Pacheo’s Week 11 status against the Bills. His answer? “Unlikely.” 

Typical Reid, keeping things just vague enough to keep us guessing. But hey, wouldn’t be a week without some cryptic player messages, right? Enter Charles Omenihu, whose recent social post didn’t exactly shy away from the tension: “I just want my respect. Gah damn.” Now, here’s a guy who turned down the Chiefs’ last contract extension and is coming off an ACL injury in a contract year. While it wasn’t clear who he demanded “respect” from, it’s evident that he’s hungry to prove his worth and show KC he’s worth the re-up.

But numbers speak for themselves, don’t they? In the 2023 season, the defensive end played in 11 regular season games, missing the first 6 because he was suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He recorded 28 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 passes batted, and 2 forced fumbles. In the postseason, on the Chiefs’ path to another Super Bowl victory, he played 3 games, registering 3 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

Since Charles Omenihu tore his ACL in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship game against the Ravens last season, he’s been on the physically unable-to-perform list. In his absence this season, Andy Reid’s side has had to lean heavily on Mike Danna, George Karlaftis, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. In fact, they even acquired pass rusher Josh Uche a couple of weeks ago in a trade with the Patriots.

As far as the Week 11 is concerned, the Chiefs Kingdom must take Andy Reid’s word for what it is. Trusted RB? Yeah, Pacheco’s been sidelined since Week 2 after a tough fibula fracture against the Bengals. Now, Omenihu? Torn ACL. Ouch. That one is a wrecking ball. Even general manager Brett Veach addressed questions about the injured players on Wednesday.

“All these players are different in regards to how they come back from injury,” he said. “They all heal differently. And the exact nature and the rehab and the body and all that — I mean, they’re just so different…There’s a big unknown there.” When it comes to Charles Omenihu, though, the Chiefs Kingdom can rest assured his rehab has been smooth.

He’s ben keeping fans in the loop via his YouTube channel when it comes to his recovery from the ACL injury. “All of my [physical therapists] say it has been one of the smoother rehabs that they’ve seen. So, I’m going to take that and ride,” he said in one of the videos. In fact, he’s even been teasing his return for several weeks, recently tweeting, “We at the home stretch.” Back in May, when the NFL announced this season’s schedule, he wrote, “Target set,” posting a video of his sack against the Raiders last season.

Maybe he was hinting at a possible Week 13 return when the Chiefs take on Las Vegas on November 29. Well, after Andy Reid’s “unlikely” update about Week 11, Omenihu’s prediction could very well come true. For now, with Pacheco’s ground game on ice and Omenihu itching to get back in (and leaving sideline drama), you can bet the practice chatter is heating up. So what’s Coach Reid’s play here? If Omenihu manages a comeback soon, that Chiefs’ D-line could be in for a serious boost. If not, then… Josh Allen & Co. might be in for a treat.

Andy Reid’s D-line needs more tidying to do

Andy Reid’s “Friendship mantra” might be working wonders on offense, especially with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce clicking like the league’s ultimate duo. But as for the defense? Well, they could use a bit more TLC—or at least a serious tune-up. The D-line is struggling to hold its own, and offenses across the league are finding ways to exploit them.

Take Sunday’s nail-biter against the Broncos. The Chiefs narrowly avoided a loss, and even Reid admitted post-game, “You’d probably say that [the Broncos] outplayed us [Sunday], and then they end up not winning the game.” Chiefs Kingdom might be glad they’ve got a two-game lead in the AFC, but with the 8-2 Bills coming up, it’s clear that this defense needs to step up. Fast.

Right now, the Chiefs rank 26th in the league in sacks, with just 19 on the season. By this point last season, they had racked up 31. Sure, we can name the never-ending list as the kryptonite—Omenihu, Chris Jones (out for the season opener). Still, the pass rush isn’t firing like it used to, which is worrisome. What’s worse? CB Jaylen Watson is out indefinitely due to a fractured ankle. Trouble brewing in the name of 3-peat? They cannot afford that when they have the momentum with them.

The Chiefs need everyone in that rotation firing on all cylinders. This D-line has a lot of tidying up to do if they want to make a real run this season. The offense has done well gaining those lost points, but the leak at the back needs to stop.