The 7-0 Kansas City Chiefs host the 4-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Monday night for their eighth regular season game. One interesting matchup to monitor throughout the game is the Chiefs’ injury-depleted offense versus the Buccaneers’ struggling defense, which ranks in the bottom half in points allowed, total yards, and passing. It will be interesting to see how the offense will gameplan and remain undefeated.
The Chiefs will not have four offensive weapons for today’s game. Their star running back is one of the four players not participating in Week 9.
The Kansas City Chiefs star RB hasn’t played since Week 2
Isiah Pacheco suffered a significant leg injury in their Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and left the building in a walking boot and crutches. An MRI determined that Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula, initially believed to be a six-to-eight-week recovery time. As a result, the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve ahead of Week 3, and today marks his sixth consecutive game missed.
Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs: NFL Insider Has Dire Update on Isiah Pacheco Injury
When will he return?
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Isiah Pacheco is eyeing a late November return to the football field. Rapoport also points out that Pacheco could return to the practice field in the next two or three weeks. To return to the football field, the Chiefs must designate him for return from injured reserve and open his practice window. After that, he must practice in a 21-day window before the team can activate him.
Rap: Isiah Pacheco (fibula) targeting late-November return; expected to resume practicing in 2-3 weeks.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) November 3, 2024
Who replaced him in the starting lineup?
Two players have replaced Isiah Pacheco in the starting lineup. The first player who took over as the starting running back was undrafted rookie Carson Steele. Steele started Weeks 3 and 4, but the Chiefs benched him because of his fumbling issues.
Since then, Kareem Hunt has started the last three games. So far, Hunt has played well in his return from the Chiefs, rushing for 308 yards on 84 carries and four touchdowns. He also has six receptions on seven targets for 40 yards.
