The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to take on the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day in NFL Week 13. It’s a short week for Kansas City, which defeated the Indianapolis Colts in overtime last Sunday.
Will Isiah Pacheco Play in Week 13?
One notable player who has been missing from the Chiefs’ offense is running back Isiah Pacheco. He suffered a sprained MCL in the team’s Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders and has not played since. However, the veteran returned to practice and appears to be getting healthier.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pacheco is “targeting a return to the lineup” against the Cowboys. “He’s been out since Week 8 with a knee injury. Will be up to team but he’s trending positively,” Fowler added.
So far in 2025, Pacheco has played in eight games and has rushed 78 times for 329 yards and one touchdown. The former seventh-round pick also has 11 catches for 43 yards and one score. Pacheco was the Chiefs’ leading rusher in 2022 and 2023, but injuries derailed his 2024 campaign. Veteran Kareem Hunt led Kansas City in rushing in 2024 and currently leads the team in rushing again in 2025.
Pacheco’s most efficient season came in 2023. The running back rushed for 935 yards and seven touchdowns that year while catching 44 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. PFSN’s RB Impact ranking gives Pacheco a 72.7 grade for his 2025 performance so far. Hunt has a slightly higher grade at 79.8. While Hunt had a 100-yard game against the Colts in Week 12, the veteran had fewer than 60 yards in the two games prior.
What Does Pacheco’s Return Mean for the Chiefs?
Getting Pacheco back would take some pressure off Hunt and give Patrick Mahomes another reliable weapon. Old friend Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Brashard Smith have received carries in Pacheco’s absence, but neither has impressed with limited opportunities.
Pacheco has plenty of playoff experience and helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls. That kind of experience will come in handy down the stretch as Kansas City makes a postseason push again.
This Thanksgiving Day game is huge for the Chiefs. The team is currently in third place in the AFC West, and with the season moving quickly, it needs every win it can get. The Cowboys are in a similar position, as they sit at 5-5-1 and in second place in the NFC East.
If Pacheco can’t go against Dallas, his next opportunity would be in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.
