Isiah Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs' star running back, has found himself at the center of attention due to injuries hampering his performance this season. The promising running back recently underwent surgery following a fractured right fibula, leaving his return this season uncertain.
Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Wednesday, stating, "I can't give you a time when he'll return. We'll just see if it's this season or next season." His remarks came after initial reports suggested Pacheco would miss about 6-8 weeks of game time. The Chiefs are already feeling the impact of his absence on their rushing game.
Pacheco suffered the injury during the Chiefs' Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had been experiencing discomfort up until the surgery, which was successfully completed according to NFL Network, with no ligament damage reported. Still, Pacheco’s injury timeline adds another layer of complexity as the Chiefs navigate their season.
Before his injury, Pacheco was leading Kansas City’s backfield, having established himself as the primary rusher since overtaking Clyde Edwards-Helaire during his rookie season. He had gained 45 yards on 15 carries during the Chiefs' opening week against the Baltimore Ravens, setting the tone for his role as the team’s workhorse running back.
Now, with Pacheco sidelined, there’s uncertainty about who will take over the lead role. Edwards-Helaire is also out due to non-football-related health issues, pressing undrafted rookie Carson Steele and eighth-year veteran Samaje Perine to step up. Steele has limited experience, having only recorded 24 yards across seven carries so far, and Perine has not even attempted to rush this season, serving primarily as a pass-catching specialist.
To mitigate the loss, the Chiefs recently signed veteran free agent Kareem Hunt, who previously led the NFL in rushing during his rookie season back with Kansas City but has seen production decline over the past few years. Reid mentioned Hunt might be ready for action soon, stating, "There's a chance we'll get him ready to play either this week, next week, or the following week."
Following up on Pacheco’s status, he encountered another setback with rib issues during the latest game against the Steelers. Prior to being sidelined, Pacheco had only six carries for 18 yards. Reports on his condition have since confirmed he will not play again until he fully recovers.
Despite his challenges, Pacheco is projected to be active on the team roster for the Christmas Day matchup against the Steelers. His presence is considered pivotal as Kansas City aims for playoffs success, especially as fans and analysts note his declining effectiveness since returning from his earlier ankle injury.
During the 2024 season, Pacheco recorded 292 rushing yards and one touchdown on 77 carries, accompanied by 79 receiving yards from 12 catches, reflecting his integral role within the Chiefs' offense. Yet, analysts are wary of his current form — the running back reportedly averages 20% fewer yards after contact compared to Hunt.
With the playoff picture tightly contested, all eyes will be on Pacheco to see if he can regain top form and bolster Kansas City's championship aspirations. While his immediate future remains cautiously optimistic, the Chiefs must navigate the coming games effectively to keep their Super Bowl streak alive.
