Rarely does any team benefit from injuries; that was certainly the case for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 season, who dealt with their fair share. It wasn't just contributors going down in the 2024 season, but high-impact pieces who drastically changed the look of the Kansas City offense. Star back Isiah Pacheco unquestionably falls under this umbrella after missing a big chunk of the previous season. Now, the back is put in a unique position that, in many ways, is going to benefit the franchise.
While no part of missing Pacheco's production was worth an unintended benefit, the Chiefs do have an interesting advantage now. Pacheco's suffering such a serious injury delayed the back's clock to cash in on a new deal. The Chiefs' wishful rival is going through this scenario with James Cook currently holding out of OTAs. The Buffalo Bills rusher has earned a new contract after a dominating season and isn't hesitating to use his leverage to attempt to gain a more favorable payday.
The 2025 Kansas City Chiefs Will Benefit From Having a Hungry Isiah Pacheco
This could easily be the position the Chiefs and Pacheco find themselves if not for the injury. While this doesn't do anything to bring back the back's impact and missed presence from those games, it is at least now working in the team's favor. Pacheco should come into camp hungry to compete and push Kareem Hunt back into a backup role.
How the Chiefs manage carries between the two backs early in the season is going to be fascinating to watch. There was a time when giving an aging Hunt carries over Pacheco could be considered laughable. However, the aging back turned the clock back a bit last season and had surprising value in the Kansas City backfield.
All of this adds up to Pacheco having every reason to be motivated and completely focused throughout OTAs and the remainder of the summer. This job could still result in a huge payday for the back, but it is going to require a year of proven focus and production. At least the Chiefs can take some solace in this despite the frustrating loss of the star during the 2024 season.