Andy Reid Gives Review of Isiah Pacheco's 1st Game Back for Chiefs
After a nine-game absence, starting running back Isiah Pacheco finally made his return to the Kansas City Chiefs' lineup last week.
Although he didn't have the most dominant performance, Pacheco still played a role in the Chiefs' 19-17 victory over the rival Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran runner took to the field for 26 snaps, converting seven carries into 44 rushing yards while also making a five-yard catch on his lone target.
A healthy Pacheco is crucial to the Chiefs' championship outlook, which is why Andy Reid & Co. are happy to have him back in the mix. So, what did the 66-year-old head coach think about his RB's return?
Chiefs News: Andy Reid Reviews Isiah Pacheco's Week 13 Return
"It was fun to get (Pacheco) into the mix and caught up to the speed of the game," Reid told reporters following Wednesday's practice, per A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman. "He came out healthy, feeling good."
As for if Pacheco's leg bothered him at any point in the game?
"No setbacks," Reid added.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on RB Isiah Pacheco: "He ended up with 20-some-odd plays. It was fun to get him into the mix and caught up to the speed of the game. He came out healthy, feeling good. No setbacks."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 4, 2024
After reading Reid's remarks, it's clear that the Chiefs have full confidence in Pacheco going forward. While fracturing a fibula can be devastating for a player's career, the ex-Rutgers product's age (25) likely played a role in his quick recovery, which could culminate with an expanded role against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14.
Drafted 251st overall in 2022, Pacheco has exceeded all expectations since joining the Chiefs.
The Vineland, NJ native has thrived under Reid's guidance, racking up 1,944 rushing yards and 433 receiving yards — as well as 15 total touchdowns — on 481 touches across 34 career games. That's without mentioning how he also racked up 635 scrimmage yards and four TDs through the Chiefs' last two Super Bowl runs.
Kareem Hunt served as Kansas City's RB1 during Pacheco's absence and thrived in the role. Having said that, Hunt will likely take a backseat to his counterpart going forward after his snap count went from 41 in Week 12 to 27 on Black Friday.
It remains to be seen if any of the Chiefs' RBs will have success against the Chargers come Sunday night. Even though Kansas City notched a 17-10 win over its AFC West rival in Week 4, Los Angeles held the former's backfield to 101 rushing yards and one touchdown on 26 carries.
The Chiefs are 3-0 when Pacheco plays this season, so we'll see if that trend continues in Week 14. As it stands, the defending Super Bowl Champions are the current 3.5-point favorites over the Chargers on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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