3 Surprising Chiefs Who Will Lose Playing Time in 2024

2. Isiah Pacheco - RB

Isiah Pacheco is in a similar position that Kelce is, though for different reasons. Pacheco is still only 25 years old and entering his third season, but he plays a taxing position and missed three games last year with injury.

He received a healthy dose of the snaps in the games he played, though it'd be wise for the Chiefs to keep his snaps relatively down to make sure no nagging injuries pop up down the stretch.

Pacheco enjoyed a breakout season, notching 1,179 yards from scrimmage with nine TDs. He upped his game in the playoffs, compiling 373 total yards and three TDs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a perfectly serviceable back in the regular season, but this team's best chance to three-peat comes with Pacheco on the field when it matters.

The coaching staff might not have a choice depending on what the final running back room looks like. Jerick McKinnon is still a pending free agent and unless the Chiefs re-sign him or another free agent back, we'll have a new third-stringer this season.

I'm hopeful we get a position group to feel confidence in. Pacheco is clearly an important player, though I hope Edwards-Helaire and whoever brings up the rear get enough touches to ensure the former seventh-round pick avoids injury.