After falling back to .500 with Thursday’s 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas City Chiefs have a lot to figure out. Their season is on the brink, and while there are issues everywhere, one of the areas that needs a resolution is the running back position.
The Chiefs’ backfield has been a story all season long, but the team opted not to address the position during the trade deadline. The decision left Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco as the two lead backs heading into the second half of the season, and Pacheco had a big opportunity to score some brownie points when he returned from a knee injury on Thursday afternoon.
Unfortunately, Pacheco’s return didn’t go as planned, with just three carries for 16 yards and a pair of receptions for 17 yards. While Pacheco averaged nearly six yards per touch, the Chiefs’ decision to hitch their wagons elsewhere spells bad news not only for the remainder of the season but also for his future in Kansas City.
Isiah Pacheco’s Quiet Week 13 Could Suggest Imminent Split From Chiefs
Pacheco is a free agent at the end of the year, and while he would probably like to return, the Chiefs have sent signals suggesting otherwise. On Thursday, that meant giving Hunt 15 touches with 14 carries and one reception. While it would be understandable if Hunt was carving out big plays, he only averaged 4.1 yards per carry, and his biggest play came on a 22-yard reception.
It could be that the Chiefs were trying to ease Pacheco in as the team was coming off a short week. It could also mean that Kansas City believes that the elder statesman is the better fit for offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's unit. Either way, Hunt’s usage isn’t the only red flag.
Kansas City signed Dameon Pierce to the practice squad on Sunday, and the former Houston Texans running back could make his debut soon and take more opportunities away from Pacheco. Brashard Smith has also been virtually eliminated from the backfield and didn’t receive a touch on Thursday. But the way things have gone, he could make a shocking return at any moment.
Pacheco has a long history in Kansas City, racking up 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns through his four seasons, including Week 13's effort. But as a former seventh-round pick from Rutgers, running backs are typically used heavily and moved on from when they reach the end of their rookie deal, and it's hard not to argue that the Chiefs might already be telegraphing his exit.
Thursday’s game was a step in that direction, and it’s looking more likely that Pacheco may be heading down the final stretch of his time in Kansas City.