Isiah Pacheco’s Return to the Chiefs: What It Means for Fantasy Football and Kareem Hunt
The Kansas City Chiefs are 9-0 and looking to stay undefeated, but they’re about to get even stronger with Isiah Pacheco’s return. The second-year running back has been out since Week 2 after fracturing his fibula, but the Chiefs recently opened his 21-day practice window, meaning he’s getting closer to a return. Pacheco was a key part of the Chiefs’ offense last season, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and playing a big role in their Super Bowl wins. His physical style and ability to break tackles bring a different dimension to Kansas City’s attack, and his return could make an already potent offense even more dangerous.
In the meantime, the Chiefs have relied on Kareem Hunt, who was brought in to help fill the void. Hunt has stepped up with 449 rushing yards and five touchdowns since Week 4, and while he’s been solid on the ground, he’s also been a key player in the passing game. In the Chiefs’ most recent win over Denver, Hunt caught seven passes for 65 yards, showing his versatility. But with Pacheco nearing his return, the Chiefs now face a good problem: two talented running backs who both have the ability to lead the backfield. Hunt could slide into more of an RB2 role, while Pacheco takes the lead once he’s fully healthy.
For fantasy football gamers, Pacheco’s return could complicate things in Kansas City’s backfield. While Pacheco is likely to reclaim his starting spot, Hunt should still get plenty of touches, especially in passing situations. Pacheco brings a unique energy to the offense, but Hunt’s experience and ability to contribute in multiple areas could keep his fantasy value solid. It’s a situation worth watching closely, as both backs could have value, but figuring out how the Chiefs will split the workload will be key for anyone relying on them in fantasy.
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It's looking like Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah ...
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) had his...
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will ...
Kansas City Chiefs set to sign Kareem Hunt after Isiah Pacheco injury.
Kansas City Chiefs star running back Isiah Pacheco set to miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a fractured fibula in the teams game against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday. As a result, the Chiefs will be signing veteran running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt is a free agent after spending the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns but has ties to Kansas City after spending his first two seasons in the league with them in 2017n and 2018.
Pacheco’s injury has appeared to open the door for rookie running back Carson Steele to take the job over. He ended the game with seven carries for 24 yards and was the only other running back to take a carry. Steele is an immediate add in all leagues and looks to be very productive in a high scoring offense for the duration of Pacheco’s injury. Samaje Perine may see a small uptick in usage but still profiles as a passing down specialist so don’t expect too much. Hunt’s familiarity with the system and 1,030 career carries give him the advantage as far as taking any back up carries so he may be worth an add as well just in case.
Kansas City undrafted running back Carson Steele gets majority of first team snaps on offense against the Detoit Lions in week 2 of the preseason.
Undrafted rookie running back Carson Steele logged 11 out of 18 snaps on the team’s first two series with the first team offense on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The UCLA product came into camp battling for a roster spot behind Isaiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Deneric Prince but Steele has thrown his name into the mix to be the primary backup behind Pacheco.
In 2022, then undrafted rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, had a strong camp and Andy Reid rewarded him with playing 10 out of 25 snaps with starters in week 2 of the preseason. This parallel isn’t to suggest that Pacheco is in danger of losing his job but it does show that Steele has made an impression and is getting his shot in the same way Pacheco did in 2022.
If Carson Steele is available in your dynasty league he is a priority add even if he settles in at RB3 on the depth chart. He’s clearly gained trust with the coaching staff and has a path to snaps in one of the league’s best offenses.
Pacheco continues to answer the call in big games.
Isiah Pacheco has been a key piece to this Kansas City offense dating back to the middle of last year. Pacheco has been even more reliable in postseason games.
despite him being a rookie last year. Pacheco answered the call when it mattered most. with 75 yards rushing and scoring in the Superbowl.
Dating back to last year’s Super Bowl win over the Eagles.
Pacheco has found the endzone in 4 consecutive postseason games and will be looking to keep the streak alive and make it 5 against the 49ers.
If the Chiefs find a way to win this game Pacheco will be a big reason why.
Joe Thuney and Kadarius Toney have ruled out, however, Isiah Pacheco will play in the AFC Championship game when the Chiefs face the Ravens on Sunday.
The Kansas City Chiefs have ruled out Kadarius Toney and All-Pro guard Joe Thuney when they face the Ravens in the AFC Championship game on Sunday. Thuney, who helped lead this offensive line to being one of the best in the league will be missed on Sunday. Nick Allegretti gets the start in Thuney’s place.
Isiah Pacheco, who missed the whole week of practice, as expected will play. Pacheco was dominant in the Divisional Round against the Bills, averaging 6.5 yards per carry which led to 97 yards and touchdown on the ground. Look for the Chiefs to lean heavily on Pacheco and the run game once again, if they plan to keep Lamar Jackson and the high flying Ravens offense off the field.
Isiah Pacheco has cleared concussion protocol and will play in week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals
In his first game back after a 2 game absence with a shoulder injury, Pacheco left the game on Christmas against the Riaders after suffering a concussion. There was doubt earlier in the week about Pacheco being able to clear protocol on a short week, but those fears were laid to rest by the Chiefs on Saturday when they announced that Pacheco will play on Sunday when they face the Bengals.
Pacheco is having a great season, still scoring as the RB19 with 805 yards and 8 touchdowns on 187 rush attempts, despite missing 2.5 games due to injury. The Chiefs are in desperate need of playmakers with a banged up running back room, and Pacheco returning is exactly what this Chiefs team need. Pacheco is a smash play this week going up against one of the league’s worst run defenses, giving up 127.3 yards per game on the ground on average. Expect Pacheco to finish this week as an RB1.
