As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a crucial late-season push, they’re getting a significant boost in their backfield.
Running back Isiah Pacheco has been activated off injured reserve and is set to return for Friday’s divisional showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pacheco’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the reigning Super Bowl champions. Sidelined since Week 2 with a fractured fibula sustained in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the 25-year-old has been working his way back to full strength. After being designated to return on Nov. 17, Pacheco has been a full participant in practice this week, leading to his removal from the injury report and setting the stage for his highly anticipated comeback.
A seventh-round steal in 2022, Pacheco quickly made a name for himself in Kansas City’s offense. He racked up 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, playing a key role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run. His sophomore campaign in 2023 saw him improve on those numbers, gaining 935 yards and finding the end zone seven times, despite missing three games due to injury.
In Pacheco’s absence, the Chiefs turned to Kareem Hunt to fill the void in the backfield. Hunt has shouldered the workload admirably, rushing for a team-high 577 yards on 155 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, and leading the team with five rushing touchdowns. However, the return of Pacheco adds another layer of explosiveness to Kansas City’s offense.
How head coach Andy Reid distributes carries between Pacheco and Hunt will be a storyline to watch in the coming weeks. While Hunt has been reliable, Pacheco’s ability to break tackles and burst through holes gives the Chiefs a dynamic element that could be crucial down the stretch. Initially, Pacheco may see a lighter workload as he eases back into game action, but his role could expand quickly as he regains his form.
In the two games he played before his injury, Pacheco showcased his effectiveness with 34 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. His physical, downhill running style fits perfectly within Kansas City’s offensive scheme, complementing their high-powered passing attack led by Patrick Mahomes.
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Pacheco’s return also provides a psychological lift for a Chiefs team eyeing another deep postseason run. As they sit atop the AFC West, every game becomes more critical, and having their starting running back back in the lineup could be the edge they need to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
While the immediate focus is on getting Pacheco back into game shape, his presence alone alters the dynamic of opposing defenses. His ability to grind out tough yards and contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield forces defenders to account for him on every play, potentially opening up opportunities for the Chiefs’ other playmakers.
Friday’s matchup against the Raiders is more than just another divisional game—it’s a chance for the Chiefs to solidify their hold on the division and continue building momentum. At 7-3, Kansas City is well-positioned, but with several tough matchups on the horizon, getting Pacheco back could prove to be a pivotal moment in their season.
As Pacheco prepares to make his return, the Chiefs are undoubtedly stronger and more balanced offensively. Whether or not he immediately returns to the form that made him a breakout star remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kansas City’s backfield is getting a lot more dangerous.
With the postseason looming and the stakes rising, the Chiefs’ ground game, now featuring a healthy Pacheco, could be the key to their pursuit of a third consecutive Super Bowl title.