It was in many ways fitting that, just as the Kansas City Chiefs had a breakout night rushing the football, former star back Isiah Pacheco was heading to IR. The current Detroit Lions playmaker underwent back surgery, and his status for the rest of the 2026 season remains in question. There is a chance that Pacheco could return in December, but Detroit would be unwise to rely on any consistent contributions from the injury-prone star.
Pacheco having his career meet such a frustrating low points to why the Chiefs have been at the bottom of the league in rushing the past two seasons. There was a time when the former seventh-round pick appeared to be an answer well beyond just one season; injuries took a toll on Pacheco and forced Kareem Hunt to be KC's most reliable rusher a season ago.
How far the franchise has come was on display Monday night as Kenneth Walker rushed for 173 yards, his career-high for a single game. Emmett Johnson chipped in with a solid effort in relief and left Kansas City fans with proof to believe that this is the best backfield in the Patrick Mahomes era.
For Pacheco, it is sad to see the back continuing to struggle at this level. Having had so many setbacks and being unable to consistently deliver has left reason to wonder how many more opportunities are waiting for the back.
Former Chiefs rusher Isiah Pacheco already dealing with potential season-ending injury
It isn't a hot take to point out that there is a level of concern that Pacheco's career could be coming to an end if he is unable to return and prove capable of contributing. Watching things play out with the Lions is both sad and a reminder of how far Kansas City has come in comparison to where they have been in recent seasons.
For the first time in the last three years, the Chiefs have a run game that can take pressure off Mahomes and provide a level of balance that could make the KC offense lethal. Pacheco has been reduced to a second option that the Lions are now completely discounting based on the injury. It is a familiar theme for Chiefs fans who understand the frustration of being unable to rely on Pacheco.
Kansas City has even further confirmation that they made the right decision, as if Monday's stellar backfield performance wasn't enough. It will be interesting to see how the franchise continues to find balance moving forward.
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