Report reveals when Isiah Pacheco could return for Chiefs

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have been without their best running back for the majority of the season, but that is expected to change in the very near future.

Isiah Pacheco, who had been on injured reserve since he fractured his fibula in Week 2, had his 21-day practice window opened by the Chiefs this week. The running back was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Pacheco has a good chance to return next week when the Chiefs travel to Carolina to face the Panthers.

“My understanding is that he is expected to be healthy enough next week,” Rapoport said. “They have a short week coming up after that, so maybe the trainers hold him out just as a precaution. But he is coming and it should be soon.”

Rapoport noted that the Chiefs have a short week after they face the Panthers, as Kansas City will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday. It is possible Pacheco could be held out in Week 12 because of that, but he is obviously nearing full strength.

The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt after Pacheco went down, and that move has paid off. Hunt, who is in his second stint in Kansas City, has rushed for 449 yards and 5 touchdowns in six games. He has averaged a modest 3.6 yards per carry, but he has been plenty effective.

Pacheco, a former seventh-round pick, is in his third season with the Chiefs. He was projected by most to have a breakout year before he suffered the leg injury. While that is no longer an option, he can still make a huge difference for Kansas City down the stretch if he returns healthy.