Kansas City will be getting reinforcements this week, as running back Isiah Pacheco is set to return. He had been out for the last of couple weeks due to a shoulder injury he had suffered against the Green Bay Packers in week 12. He underwent surgery to repair it and has been recovering since.
Andy Reid on RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder): "He'll be back this week. He'll be good to go this week, unless there's further setbacks. But right now, everything's positive for him to go."
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) December 18, 2023
Andy Reid met with the media earlier today and had this to say. “He’ll be back this week. He’ll be good to go this week, unless there’s further setbacks. But right now, everything’s positive for him to go.”
It’s welcome news for Kansas City
Many argue to be their 2nd best weapon back for Patrick Mahomes and the shaky offense they’ve had this season.
While Pacheco was recovering, the Chiefs struggled running the ball. Former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire got the go-ahead to start against both the Bills and Patriots. He wasn’t able to muster 40 yards rushing in either game and finished with 3.5 and 2.8 yards per carry, respectively.
Pacheco runs with a style of grit and toughness that is exclusive to him in the Chiefs’ running back room. On the season, Pacheco has put up 776 yards on 4.4 yards per carry, along with six touchdowns. He’s also been a productive pass catcher, racking up 33 catches thus far. He’s even had multiple games where he rushes above five yards a carry, an elite trait.
With Pacheco back in the lineup, look for Kansas City’s offense to look more balanced. It’ll take some of the pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which will be much needed. As long as Pacheco remains healthy, Kansas City’s offense will be extremely hard to stop.