Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs have been eagerly anticipating the return of star running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been out since sustaining a fractured fibula in Week 2. So when can we expect to see the explosive rookie back on the field?
Pacheco, who emerged as the Chiefs’ RB1 to start the season, has been on injured reserve since September 17th. While the initial timeline had him pegged to miss 6–8 weeks, it’s now been over two months since the injury occurred.
What Is Isiah Pacheco’s Injury Status?
Pacheco sustained the leg injury during the Chiefs’ Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 23-year-old limped off the field after a tackle trapped his leg, later receiving a fractured fibula diagnosis. The Chiefs wasted no time placing Pacheco on injured reserve, meaning he would have to miss at least four games. However, as the weeks have gone by, we’ve received very little update on his recovery process.
When Will Pacheco Return To Action?
Finally, in the lead-up to the Chiefs’ Week 9 showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we’ve gotten some more clarity on Pacheco’s timetable. Speaking on NFL Network’s “NFL GameDay Morning” show, insider Ian Rapoport provided an encouraging update:
“Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs’ dynamic rookie running back, is expected to resume practicing in the next two to three weeks,” Rapoport reported. “That would put him on track for a potential late November return, perhaps Week 12 or Week 13.”
This aligns with the comments made by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid last week. Reid told reporters that Pacheco is “making great progress,” though he acknowledged the decision on when the running back returns is ultimately up to the team’s medical staff.
So while Pacheco won’t be suiting up against the Buccaneers on Monday night, it appears he’s nearing a return to the practice field. Once he gets back out there, the Chiefs will likely take a cautious approach, not wanting to rush their promising youngster into game action.
How Have The Chiefs Weathered Pacheco’s Absence?
Despite losing their starting running back, the Chiefs have continued their winning ways, racing out to a perfect 7-0 start to the 2024 season. With Pacheco sidelined, Kareem Hunt has stepped up as the lead back, averaging over 21 carries per game. While his yards-per-carry average of 3.67 is underwhelming, Hunt’s volume and the Chiefs’ potent offense have kept the running game afloat.
Veteran Samaje Perine and undrafted rookie Carson Steele have also contributed in the backfield, forming a committee approach. Unsurprisingly, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing attack continue to drive the offense.
What’s Next For Isaac Pacheco?
Pacheco will almost certainly ease back into a time-share with Hunt when he eventually returns, likely sometime in late November or early December. However, given Pacheco’s superior explosiveness and big-play ability, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him quickly reclaim the RB1 role.
The timing of Pacheco’s return could be crucial, as the Chiefs face a softer portion of their schedule from Weeks 11-13. Getting their dynamic young runner back healthy and integrated into the offense during that stretch could pay major dividends as Kansas City gears up for another Super Bowl run.
For now, Chiefs fans will have to continue exercising patience as Pacheco puts the finishing touches on his recovery. However, there is hope as the talented rusher could potentially return to action as early as next month.
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