The Detroit Lions placed running back Isiah Pacheco on the injured reserve list on Tuesday. The running back, who joined the Lions from the Kansas City Chiefs, was dealing with an MCL sprain and a back injury suffered during training camp.
After being tabbed to miss four games, fans on X seized on Lions general manager Brad Holmes’ uncertainty about Pacheco’s availability for the rest of the season.
Fans Bemoan Pessimistic Isiah Pacheco Injury Status
Holmes was asked whether the Lions expect Pacheco to play this season, to which he replied, “Yeah, that’s the hope.” The comment indicated immense uncertainty, and that was enough to make the fans panic.
One Lions fan bemoaned Holmes’ comments about Pacheco.
“’Hope’? Bruh so this is way worse than we thought,” the fan cried.
Brad Holmes says Isiah Pacheco is steadily feeling better, but won’t give a timeline for his return.
When asked if they still expect him to play this season, Holmes said “yeah, that’s the hope.”
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) September 2, 2026
Another fan was stunned that what appeared to be a routine injury is threatening Pacheco’s season.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
“It’s season-threatening???? WTF,” the fan questioned.
Brad Holmes says Isiah Pacheco is steadily feeling better, but won’t give a timeline for his return.
When asked if they still expect him to play this season, Holmes said “yeah, that’s the hope.”
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) September 2, 2026
One fan blamed the general manager for signing a crocked player.
“Great pick up Brad once again picking up broken free agent players,” the fan raged.
Great pick up Brad once again picking up broken free agent players
— tyler (@tyler29646313) September 2, 2026
Another fan was frustrated by Pacheco’s uncertain injury status, writing, “That does not sound good.”
One fan connected the dots about why Pacheco was signed for cheap in the free agency after the Kansas City Chiefs chose to not resign him.
“Well, I guess we know why Pacheco only got $1 mil in free agency,” the fan opined.
Well, I guess we know why Pacheco only got $1 mil in free agency
— Tommy (New account) (@TommyTheSting) September 2, 2026
Another fan predicted that Pacheco would not return from his injury this season.
“Hahahaha, this team man. That word “hope” is all I needed to read to know we’re not seeing this guy again,” the fan posted.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
The Lions signed Pacheco on a one-year, $1.81 million deal to replace veteran running back David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
One fan took issue with that decision and wrote, “Swapping Dmo (Montgomery) for Pacheco is one of the worst moves Holmes has made. Didn’t own the decision either smh (shaking my head).”
Swapping Dmo for Pacheco is one of the worst moves Holmes has made. Didn’t own the decision either smh
— Joe B (@jbdet20) September 2, 2026
After a college football career with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Chiefs selected Pacheco with the No. 251 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key cog in the Chiefs team and even scored a touchdown as they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl in his rookie season.
Pacheco finished his rookie NFL season with 830 rushing yards, 130 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. He added 597 yards on 29 kickoffs returned and underwent surgeries to repair a torn labrum and a broken hand.
When the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl LVIII, Pacheco became the only running back in league history to win two titles in his first two seasons.
Pacheco played in three Super Bowl games with the Chiefs, but a broken fibula suffered during the 2024 season impacted his explosiveness. He finished last season with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 118 carries, adding 101 receiving yards and 1 score on 19 receptions.
In 2025, Pacheco earned a PFN Running Back Impact score of 67.7, ranking 52nd at his position in the NFL.
