The Kansas City Chiefs' running game has been a talking point this season, but not for the best reasons. None of their ball-carriers have stepped up in a big way, and they've been linked to multiple players over the past couple of weeks.
However, before thinking of making a move for, say, Breece Hall, De'Von Achane, or Alvin Kamara, the Chiefs should look to get their own guys going. That's why Isiah Pacheco might only have a handful of weeks left to keep his job.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco Needs to Impress over the Next Month
The Chiefs are officially four weeks away from their bye week. That break in play could give them more time to get someone else settled in as the starting running back, be it rookie Brashard Smith, who's looked impressive in limited touches, or someone else they might bring in.
Their bye week also happens to be right before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, so it could also give them a perfect opportunity to move on from Pacheco if they don't like what they've seen from him to that point.
Pacheco hasn't been his usual aggressive self this season. Fans aren't seeing the same player since he suffered a leg injury last season, and instead of proving that he's worth signing to another contract, he has seemed to lose a step.
However, there's still a light at the end of the tunnel. While his numbers weren't that impressive in Week 5, the eye test said otherwise. Pacheco played with a chip on his shoulder, got some crucial first downs, and ran through contact in the same way he did when he first beat Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the starting running back job four years ago.
Pacheco split carries with Kareem Hunt again, logging seven touches for 36 yards. He also hauled in three receptions in as many targets for 20 receiving yards. He still didn't get any of the team's goal-line carries, but that hasn't been his role for a while now.
The Chiefs will face the Detroit Lions' stout run defense in Week 6, but things get much easier in the following games (Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills). The table is set for him to have some big performances and show Andy Reid that he has what it takes to be this team's go-to guy for a little longer, at least until the end of the season.