Kansas City’s backfield continues to draw attention in fantasy football circles, with Isiah Pacheco’s status still clouded in uncertainty. The Chiefs hoped to have their dynamic runner back after the bye, but things haven’t gone quite as planned. Something appears to be limiting his return, and fantasy managers are getting restless.
Could Week 12 finally bring clarity, or just more questions about this offense?
Isiah Pacheco Injury Update
There was hope that Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Pacheco would be able to return to the field after the team’s Week 10 bye, after he suffered an MCL sprain in Week 8. Unfortunately, Pacheco did not practice at all ahead of Week 11’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
Kareem Hunt has operated as the Chiefs’ lead back with Pacheco sidelined and would continue to do so if Pacheco is out again in Week 12. If Pacheco returns, both he and Hunt will continue to split the backfield.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Pacheco Fantasy Outlook
Pacheco suffered an MCL sprain in Week 8 and has been unable to return since, showing few signs of being close.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 12 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
With just two top-30 finishes this season, there’s no real urgency for fantasy managers in this situation. I like Pacheco and his running style as much as anyone. Still, until the Chiefs commit to him post-injury, I’m assuming this to be an even split with Kareem Hunt at best, with the valuable carries funneling to the veteran.
Asking Pacheco to play this week and again on Thanksgiving feels like a lot. A return next week in Dallas to take advantage of the mini-bye seems more likely, but again, playing Pacheco in his first game back isn’t something I’m looking to do.
Fantasy Playoffs Schedule
- Week 15 vs. Chargers
- Week 16 at Titans
- Week 17 vs. Broncos
Not friendly, but that Week 16 spot is appetizing, and the hope is that we have Pacheco sitting atop this depth chart by then.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
