Isiah Pacheco’s Return Adds Intrigue to Chiefs’ Backfield
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are sitting pretty with a 10-1 record, but not everyone is convinced they’re as dominant as their record suggests. Former NFL coach Rex Ryan recently voiced his doubts, saying the Chiefs might not be as good as their win-loss column indicates. And now, as the team prepares for Friday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium (3 p.m. ET, Prime Video), the return of running back Isiah Pacheco is set to shake things up in Kansas City’s backfield.
Pacheco, who fractured his right fibula in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, has been sidelined for two months. But now, the Chiefs are gearing up for his return, and the timing couldn’t be better. According to head coach Andy Reid, Pacheco is expected to play against the Raiders as long as there are no setbacks. For a team already loaded with talent, this could be a game-changer.
Mahomes and Reid Weigh In
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is thrilled to have Pacheco back but emphasized the importance of easing him into action. “It’s going to be us trying to hold him back because he’s a guy that wants to be out there as much as possible and he wants to play,” Mahomes said. “At the same time, he wants to win. He knows the long-term goal that we have. Our goal is to get him back as quickly as possible but at the best time for him and his body so that we can have him for the long haul.”
Reid echoed Mahomes’ sentiments, calling the situation “a good problem to have.” But with Kareem Hunt stepping up in Pacheco’s absence, the Chiefs now face an intriguing dilemma: how to split playing time between two talented backs.
The Hunt Factor
Hunt, who was signed after Pacheco was placed on injured reserve, has been nothing short of impressive. He leads the team in rushing with 577 yards and has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ success this season. His physicality and experience have made him a reliable option, and it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs sidelining him in favor of Pacheco.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is optimistic about the duo’s potential. “Both want the football, which is a great thing,” Nagy said. “They’re really good when they have the football. They’re physical, they’re violent, and Pacheco brings that Energizer Bunny mentality of the excitement, the fire. You put that together with Kareem, and it is a great 1-2 punch. So I think more than anything, it’s just refreshing to see him out there.”
Reid’s History with Running Backs
Reid’s track record with running backs offers some clues about how he might handle this situation. Since joining the Chiefs in 2013, Reid has often leaned on a featured back, giving players like Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Hunt (during his first stint with the team), Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Pacheco the lion’s share of carries. In 2022, Reid made a decisive switch from Edwards-Helaire to Pacheco, who was then a rookie, and never looked back.
However, this time around, a clean switch seems unlikely. Hunt has been too valuable to the Chiefs’ 10-1 campaign to be relegated to a minor role. A more balanced approach, with a 50-50 split in playing time, seems like the most logical path forward.
What to Expect Moving Forward
For Pacheco, the road back won’t be without its challenges. He only returned to practice two weeks ago, and the Chiefs are understandably cautious about overburdening him. Mahomes emphasized the importance of patience, saying, “We’ll work him back in when he’s ready … and not try to overdo it. He’s going to have energy, he’s going to want to be on the football field, but I think it’s good that we have a good room of running backs so that we can not make him go out there and take 30 carries or whatever it is. We can just kind of let him be who he is and make those big plays happen and then bring him along as the season goes.”
Why This Matters
The Chiefs’ backfield situation is a luxury most teams would envy. With Pacheco’s explosive energy and Hunt’s steady production, Kansas City has the potential to field one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the league. But as the team eyes another deep playoff run, how Reid and his staff manage this duo could be a key storyline to watch.
For now, all eyes are on Friday’s game against the Raiders. Will Pacheco pick up where he left off? Can Hunt maintain his momentum? And how will the Chiefs balance their newfound riches in the backfield? One thing’s for sure: this is a “good problem” that every team in the NFL wishes they had.
- Key Stats: Hunt leads the Chiefs with 577 rushing yards this season.
- What’s Next: Chiefs vs. Raiders, Friday, 3 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
- Big Picture: The Chiefs are 10-1 and looking to solidify their Super Bowl aspirations.
As the Chiefs continue their march toward the postseason, the return of Isiah Pacheco could be the spark they need to take their offense to the next level. Stay tuned, because this backfield battle is just heating up.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
