It has been a rough season for the entire Kansas City Chiefs offense which has sported multiple injuries throughout the year. But, it has been especially difficult for their RB Isiah Pacheco. After establishing himself in the offense, an injury cut his season terribly short.
Since returning, he hasn’t found his groove, struggling in the handful of games. As a result, it’s put his health into question, with fans speculating that his injury might not be completely healed yet. With that in mind, what is his status for Super Bowl 59?
Is Isiah Pacheco Injured?
In Week 2 of the regular season, Pacheco suffered a fibula injury that kept him out for the next nine games. This injury prompted Kareem Hunt’s return to the Chiefs and allowed Pacheco to recover properly.
Making a return in Week 12, Kansas City has slowly tried to integrate him into the offense. However, the numbers are far from ideal for the running back expected to take a major leap this season. As a result, concerns about the injury affecting him remain in the air.
But according to the Chiefs’ official injury report, there are no setbacks in his recovery or anything bothering him. He was listed as fully active for the big game throughout the week and plans to take the field with the starters.
Pacheco’s Struggles Throughout the Season
It’s been hard for the featured running back to find his groove since coming back. In the five games to finish off the season, he tallied just 175 rushing yards on 49 carries. It was a significant fall from glory for a star flirting with 1,000 rushing yards in the last two seasons.
Moreover, his fortune hasn’t turned in the NFL postseason either. In the two games against the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, he’s totaled just 10 carries for a combined 30 rushing yards. The numbers for the man who led all runners last postseason with 313 yards are far from ideal. Now, he’s been splitting duties with Kareem Hunt, who’s been exceptional since re-joining the squad.
Pacheco vs. the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
The last time these two teams matched up in the Super Bowl, it was a game for the ages for Pacheco. He got 15 carries and a dominant 76 yards, which would be his second-highest mark of the season.
He even added a touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs had a come-from-behind win in that showdown. This Eagles defense is similarly terrifying but if Pacheco can find his old magic again, he could be a true X-factor for Kansas City’s quest to a three-peat.