Isiah Pacheco Confident He Will Be at Full Strength for Chiefs’ Opener
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Isiah Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star running back, is determined to be at full strength when the team begins their Super Bowl championship defense against the Detroit Lions on September 7th. Pacheco missed all of the offseason practice due to shoulder and hand surgeries but is confident that he will be ready for the season opener.
“I trust the staff and we were able to work out a plan,” said Pacheco, who led the Chiefs in rushing last season as a rookie with 830 yards and five touchdowns. “I’m getting back into shape and we’re working.”
Despite his injuries, Pacheco has been participating in limited practice sessions this week. He has been wearing a bright yellow jersey typically reserved for quarterbacks, indicating that other players should avoid contact with him during the non-padded practices.
The Chiefs have not provided a timeline for Pacheco’s full participation in practice. However, Pacheco is eager to showcase his skills as soon as he is given the green light by head coach Andy Reid.
“Whenever the coaches allow me to play and whenever Coach Reid says I’m good to go, that’s when I’m going to show,” Pacheco said. “I’m feeling great right now. It’s just a process, and that takes time.”
Pacheco revealed that he played most of last season with an injured shoulder and broke his hand during the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite these setbacks, he played through the pain in the Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown.
“We had two weeks to recover,” Pacheco said. “I was good with the recovery, what we did with the staff, and I was able to play. They got me right.”
The Chiefs have shown confidence in Pacheco’s availability and effectiveness for the upcoming season. They did not acquire any additional running backs through free agency or the draft, relying on Pacheco along with Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who were both key players in the position last season.
Pacheco has set a personal goal of rushing for at least 1,000 yards this season. The Chiefs have not had a running back surpass that mark since Kareem Hunt in 2017.
“That’s the goal, obviously,” Pacheco said. “It starts here today, [in] practice day by day.”
As the Chiefs prepare for their season opener, Pacheco’s return to full strength will be crucial for the team’s success. His determination and resilience in playing through injuries last season demonstrate his commitment to the game and his teammates.
Fans eagerly await Pacheco’s return to the field and hope that he can lead the Chiefs to another successful season. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that Pacheco will make a significant impact on the team’s offense once he is fully recovered.
In conclusion, Isiah Pacheco’s return to full strength for the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener is highly anticipated. Despite missing offseason practice due to surgeries, Pacheco is confident in his recovery and eager to contribute to the team’s success. Chiefs fans can expect an exciting season ahead with Pacheco leading the charge in the backfield.