3 RBs Chiefs Must Sign After Awful Isiah Pacheco Injury News
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs were dealt a major blow with Monday's news that star RB Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula against the Bengals. He'll be out for a while, and Kansas City's running back room is suddenly perilously thin.
Undrafted rookie Carson Steele and recently signed veteran Samaje Perine will handle the workload as Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still on injured reserve battling PTSD symptoms. Steele will presumably be the back on early downs with Perine handling passing work.
Kansas City could elevate someone like Deneric Prince from the practice squad, but there are a few free agents available who should be considered as well. If Pacheco is out for months like Hollywood Brown is expected to be, a big mvoe could be coming.
3 RBs Chiefs Must Target
1. Matt Breida
Breida is still unsigned and could be facing the end of his career, but he represents the kind of versatile scatback who could provide some occassional juice when Steele and Perine need a breather. He last played for the Giants in 2023, notching 239 yards from scrimmage for one of the NFL's worst offenses.
The 29-year-old back was effective with the 49ers early in his career, averaging five yards per carry and 8.4 yards per reception. He's shifty with great elusiveness and durable hands. Perhaps most critically, he's solid in pass protection and could be relied on to help protect Patrick Mahomes on third downs.
Breida was briefly brought back by San Francisco in August though released before the start of the season. He's on the streets for a reason, but Brieda could be a solid target if Pacheco is going to miss a majority of the year.
Steele will likely get the most carries, though he did fumble on Sunday. Breida could be a veteran presence to help stabilize the backfield while Pacheco is on the shelf.