Kansas City Chiefs Lose Running Back Isiah Pacheco to Injury: What It Means for the Team
By Nate Taylor, Dianna Russini, and Larry Holder
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a significant blow to their offense with the news that running back Isiah Pacheco will be out for the foreseeable future due to a fractured fibula. Pacheco sustained the injury during the team’s dramatic Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. This injury is expected to land him on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.
Pacheco played a crucial role in the game, with his last carry coming on the first play after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, setting up the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal. However, he left the stadium on crutches with a protective boot on his right foot, signaling the severity of his injury.
The Chiefs’ depth at the running back position has been a concern since the start of training camp, and Pacheco’s absence only exacerbates the issue. With this being the first significant injury in Pacheco’s career, the team will likely have to rely on rookie fullback Carson Steele and recently acquired veteran Samaje Perine to fill the void.
Adding to the running back woes, four-year veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire will also miss the next two games after being placed on the non-football illness list. Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and cyclic vomiting syndrome, a chronic condition that causes severe nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion.
Given the team’s depleted running back depth, the Chiefs may need to explore signing a veteran to bolster their offense. One option they could consider is Jerick McKinnon, who has proven to be an above-average third-down back in previous seasons and could provide valuable support to the Chiefs’ backfield.
Isiah Pacheco has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense this season, tallying 90 rushing yards on 19 carries and catching five passes for 21 yards before his injury. In total, he has accumulated 135 rushing yards and one touchdown on 34 carries, along with seven receptions for 54 yards.
The loss of Pacheco will undoubtedly have an impact on the Chiefs’ offensive game plan moving forward. Head coach Andy Reid and his coaching staff will need to make adjustments to ensure they can maintain a balanced offensive attack without their starting running back.
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense will face a significant challenge in the absence of Isiah Pacheco. With both Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined, the team’s running back depth will be tested. The Chiefs will need to rely on rookies and recently acquired veterans to step up and fill the void. It remains to be seen how this injury will affect the team’s offensive production, but adjustments will need to be made to ensure continued success on the field.