The Kansas City Chiefs escaped Week 2 with a 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals thanks to a 51-yard game-winning field goal from Harrison Butker as time expired.
However, immediately following the game, the mood around the team was solemn, as star running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a significant injury that will sideline him for quite some time. In the locker room, Pacheco had a towel over his head and watery eyes while head coach Andy Reid consoled him. What injury did Pacheco suffer, and how long will he be out?
What Happened to Isiah Pacheco?
After Pacheco was tackled while his leg was trapped under another defender, he limped off the field with roughly two minutes remaining in the Week 2 game. He appeared to have suffered a lower-body injury, and he didn’t return to the game.
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
Initially, the injury didn’t seem serious, as Pacheco was seen jumping up and down to celebrate Butker’s game-winning kick, and reporters who spoke to him after the game said he was in good spirits and it didn’t seem like anything was wrong.
However, tests must have revealed the extent of his injury shortly after, as Pacheco was visibly upset postgame, and he left the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. On Monday, it was revealed that he suffered a fractured fibula.
After Pacheco exited the contest, the Chiefs used backup running backs Samaje Perine and Carson Steele for the rest of their final drive, which ended when Harrison Butker converted a game-winning 50-yard field goal to give Kansas City a 26-25 win.
How Long Will Pacheco Be Sidelined?
Pacheco is expected to miss six to eight weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He has been added to injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the next four weeks and very likely longer.
“I don’t have a timeline on (his return),” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said, per The Athletic’s Nate Taylor. “It’s going to take a little bit of time.”
INJURY TRACKER: Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest NFL Injuries
On Tuesday, the Chiefs signed free agent two running backs: Keaontay Ingram (to their active roster) and Kareem Hunt (to their practice squad). Ingram was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, and he was with Arizona for the first two years of his career. Hunt played for the Chiefs for the first two years of his NFL career, rushing for 2,151 yards and totaling 25 touchdowns in 27 games. His most recent NFL stint was with the Cleveland Browns last season, when he rushed for nine touchdowns.
With RB Isiah Pacheco expected to be sideliend 6-8 weeks, the Chiefs are bringing their former RB Kareem Hunt back to Kansas City for a Tuesday visit, per league sources. Hunt could help fill the Chiefs’ running back void. pic.twitter.com/nDzNGlrcuH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2024
Dr. Jesse Morse said Pacheco will likely need surgery and explained that this is similar to the injury that ended Houston Texans WR Tank Dell’s 2023 season.
According to Dr. Morse, the recovery timeline for Pacheco could take as long as 12 weeks.
This is a huge blow to the Chiefs, who are attempting to win their third consecutive Super Bowl. One of the reasons a three-peat has never happened in NFL history is that the extra games add a lot of additional wear and tear on players, increasing the risk of significant injuries.
Fantasy Implications of Pacheco’s Injury
This is the worst-case scenario for Pacheco owners, who drafted him very early due to his huge workload in one of the NFL’s best offenses. Unfortunately, there is not even a clear handcuff to turn to in Kansas City.
MORE: Should Fantasy Managers Add Samaje Perine or Carson Steele?
As previously mentioned, the Chiefs leaned on Steele and Perine after Pacheco exited the game. In Week 2, Steele got five carries, while Perine had one target. Steele is more suited to being an early down back, and Perine is typically a traditional passing down back.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire will also miss another couple of weeks, so this has become a tricky spot to find fantasy value. It remains to be seen how Ingram or Hunt (if elevated) factor in.
Steele perhaps has the upside, with the potential of being the goal-line back, but he will be very touchdown-dependent.
Steele has the most value in non-PPR leagues while Perine is the player to target in PPR formats.