Credit; Credit: Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a fibula injury during Sunday’s 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a report from ESPN.
Recovery Timeline
Pacheco will be placed on injured reserve but is anticipated to return later this season. He underwent X-rays on Sunday night and is scheduled for an MRI to determine if there is a fracture or ligament damage to his right ankle. Pacheco left Arrowhead Stadium on crutches, with his right foot in a walking boot.
“I know it won’t be this week and it’ll probably be more than that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said about a potential timeline for Pacheco’s return. “… It’s going to take a little bit of time there.”
In response, the Chiefs are bringing in former running back Kareem Hunt for a visit on Tuesday, sources revealed.
Impact on Team
Pacheco, 25, has been the Chiefs’ leading rusher for the past two seasons. He rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards in Sunday’s game. In two games this season, he has totaled 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
“I talked to him twice last night, so I think he’s in a better place than he was,” Reid said. “Here’s a guy that loves to play the game. He had tears. He was emotional. But you don’t ever want to lose it. It’s an emotional sport, and that kid — nobody likes to play more than he likes to play.”
Backup Options
The Chiefs will rely on undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine in Pacheco’s absence. Steele has rushed for 27 yards this season, while Perine, recently signed after being released by the Denver Broncos, caught one pass for 3 yards against the Bengals.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ 2020 leading rusher, is on the non-football injury list and could return by Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints.
Reid said on Monday that the team will stick with their current running backs but he added that general manager Brett Veach “is going through his lists and looking at people.”
“We’ll just see where that goes, but we’re blessed to have some good people here,” Reid said.
