Concern was high in Kansas City yesterday, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network will not reassure the fans. Coming off one minute from the end of the match after being caught in a pincer movement by three Bengals defenders, Isiah Pacheco (HB, Chiefs) appears to be seriously injured.
This appears to be the moment of injury for Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. Andy Reid said Pacheco is undergoing tests. The back was seen leaving Arrowhead in a walking boot and crutches. pic.twitter.com/aPZpRe629X
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) September 16, 2024
Having left the stadium with a protective boot, the running back reportedly fractured his fibula during his team's victory (26-25) and should miss several weeks of competition. This is what the franchise's doctors fear after Pacheco underwent an X-ray this Sunday evening. An MRI is also scheduled for this Monday to determine if there are any injuries to the ankle. Depending on the results, it is likely that the Chiefs will place their runner on the injured list.
Competition to replace Pacheco ahead
Already missing Hollywood Brown (WR), the Chiefs' offense is suffering a new misfortune. An ideal complement to Patrick Mahomes since his selection, Isiah Pacheco has fluctuated between 1,000 and 1,200 cumulative yards over his first two NFL seasons. He also started his third year well with 135 yards on the ground, 54 in the air, and a touchdown.
This is an even harder blow since the replacements at the position offer few guarantees. Andy Reid will indeed have the choice between rookie Carson Steele, impressive in the preseason but guilty of a fumble last night, and veteran Samaje Perine, already losing momentum in Denver. If we rely on the workload at the start of the season, the balance seems to be leaning towards the rookie.
