Isiah Pacheco Placed on IR with Fibula Injury

Another name has been added to the growing list of key players placed on IR this week, as Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been sidelined due to a fibula injury. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pacheco is expected to miss the next 6 to 8 weeks, a significant blow to a Chiefs offense that has relied heavily on his contributions to maintain a balanced attack.

While many might assume the Chiefs offense revolves solely around Patrick Mahomes and his dynamic passing game, that’s far from the truth. Pacheco’s physical running style and his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield have been pivotal in keeping defenses off-balance. His aggressive, tough running between the tackles brings a dynamic element that’s hard to replace, and he’s also proven to be a reliable pass-catcher, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Pacheco’s role in the Chiefs offense has grown considerably. This season, he had already rushed for 135 yards through two weeks, placing him 15th in the NFL. His seven receptions tied him with notable backs like Aaron Jones, Alvin Kamara, and Kyren Williams, further showcasing his versatility.

This Sunday, the Chiefs travel to Atlanta to take on Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. Atlanta is coming off a last-minute win against the Eagles, but their defense struggled to contain the run, allowing a combined 186 rushing yards to Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts. While the Chiefs would likely have looked to exploit that vulnerability, they will now have to do so without Pacheco.

There has been speculation that former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt could return to Kansas City as a potential replacement, though nothing has been confirmed. In the meantime, backups Samaje Perine and Carson Steele will be tasked with carrying the load. Both have shown flashes of potential in their limited action so far this season, but with Pacheco out for the foreseeable future, they’ll need to step up and prove they can handle a larger role in this offense.

The loss of Pacheco is a significant setback, but the Chiefs will need to find a way to maintain their offensive balance if they hope to keep pace in the competitive AFC.