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Chiefs Give First Isiah Pacheco Injury Update After Steelers Win

By Cem Yolbulan

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) celebrates after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) celebrates after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs are 15-1, clinched the top AFC seed, and will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite the short turnaround and the brutal schedule, the Chiefs once again proved that they are the team to beat in the NFL until further notice. The national media can continue running their hot takes about the Chiefs not being that good, or the sportsbooks can still have another team as the Super Bowl favorites, but the truth is the Chiefs are peaking at the right time.

The harsh truth of the NFL is that injuries can strike at any moment. An unfortunate injury at a crucial moment could derail any team. The Chiefs are already missing star defender Chris Jones and starting left tackle DJ Humphries. While they should be back for the postseason, Kansas City may have lost another key contributor.

Early in the fourth quarter, running back Isiah Pacheco left the game with a rib injury. He was seen jogging on the sideline with his left arm barely moving. Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell reported that Pacheco left the locker room early after the game to get imaging done.

Prior to his early exit, Pacheco had six carries for 18 yards. Since his return from his early-season injury, Pacheco has taken a backseat in the offense, especially in the red zone. He hasn't had a touchdown in the last five games since his Week 13 return and hasn't surpassed 55 yards in a game yet. Kareem Hunt continues to get the lion's share of touches in the red zone.

The latest injury to Pacheco could further complicate his role in this offense. Samaje Perine and Carson Steele could see an expanded role if he were to miss any time but the Chiefs need their talented young rusher to be his best self in the postseason.

Fortunately for Kansas City, Andy Reid said that Pacheco's injury was the only one sustained during the game, per Chiefs insider Charles Goldman. They will have extra rest time before they play again to get fully healthy for Week 18 and the postseason.

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