Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco has suffered a fractured fibula that will require surgery, and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. He has been placed on the IR, but will likely see action again this season.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco to undergo surgery this week on fractured fibula, will miss at least six weeks. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/aMAyv6upd1
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
Pacheco rushed 19 times for 90 yards against the Bengals and recorded an additional 21 yards on five receptions.
Kansas City has already lost Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to a collarbone injury. The usual backup, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, is also out as he is on the non-football illness list. This means that newly acquired Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele will lead the running back room for the Chiefs.
Steele has seen very little NFL action this season, only rushing the ball nine times for 27 yards so far. Perine, who has been a journey back for the last few seasons, has not yet rushed the ball in a Chiefs uniform. This means that the Chiefs will have to find an answer, and quickly.
A potential candidate to fill the role is Kareem Hunt. Hunt is currently a free agent, but is planning on meeting with the team on Tuesday. Last season, Hunt had 411 yards but also rushed for nine touchdowns. If he returns to Kansas City, he has a good chance to fill the top spot.
With RB Isiah Pacheco expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks, the Chiefs are bringing their former RB Kareem Hunt back to Kansas City for a Tuesday visit, per league sources. Hunt could help fill the Chiefs’ running back void. pic.twitter.com/2NBZwJAthq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
Xavier Worthy will also likely benefit from this injury. In the season opener, he displayed his speed and talent on a couple of end-around rushes, which may be utilized more now that the rushing room is in question.
Kansas City is off to a great start, beating two of the best teams in the AFC back-to-back weeks. If they can continue to look strong, and incorporate Travis Kelce more into their games, they will be just fine. Kansas City looks like they are a strong candidate for their three-peat, but time will tell how the team is able to adapt without their running back for the next month.
