2:53pm: Pacheco is set to undergo surgery this week, per Rapoport. The outcome of that procedure will determine the timeline for his recovery, which Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler adds is currently six to eight weeks. An IR stint will take place, but Pacheco should be available to return later this season.
10:56am: The Chiefs improved to 2-0 on Sunday, but their offense suffered another blow on the injury front in the process. Running back Isiah Pacheco was in a walking boot and using crutches after the contest, and he is facing a notable spell on the sidelines. 
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X-rays taken yesterday indicated Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Further testing will take place today to determine the full extent of the injury, but in any event a multi-week absence is in store. ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds Kansas City is expected to place Pacheco on injured reserve.
An IR stint would require at least a four-week stint on the shelf, but Schefter notes Pacheco could very well be out longer than that. A long-term absence would hinder Kansas City’s running game given the former seventh-rounder’s importance to the team. Pacheco emerged as the lead back during his rookie campaign, and he played a key role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run. That remained the case last year, when the 25-year-old racked up 1,179 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns during the regular season.
Expectations were high for another productive Pacheco campaign in 2024, but his injury will leave the team in need of a new backfield option. Kansas City retained former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire during the offseason on a one-year deal. He was placed on the reserve/NFI list to begin the season, however, sidelining him until at least Week 5. The Chiefs lost veteran pass-catcher Jerick McKinnon during the spring, but the team filled that void with the addition of Samaje Perine. The latter could take on an increased workload beyond third-down duties with Pacheco no longer in the picture.
Undrafted rookie Carson Steele rounds out the Chiefs’ backfield as things stand. Steele impressed during training camp and the preseason, but he has received only nine carries through the first two weeks of the campaign. That could change during the time Pacheco misses, particularly on early downs and in the redzone. However the team’s backfield shakes out, though, Pacheco’s absence will be acutely felt.
The Chiefs have just over $6MM in cap space at the moment, less flexibility than most other teams. That could limit Kansas City’s ability to make an outside addition via the free agent market. Veteran Keaontay Ingram and undrafted rookie Emani Bailey are in place on the team’s practice squad, and at least one could be promoted in the event Pacheco were to go on IR.
Huge, huge loss for the next few games. It’s too early in the season right now to predict whether teams’ current form is actually who they are, but the Saints, Chargers, and 49ers are all teams that have scored points so far (or may be expected to) this year. Pacheco is a reliable “dirty runner” who picks up tough yards and keeps the offense in rhythm. He’s not the first name that comes to mind as being the best back in the league, but Kansas City really relies a lot on him when passing yards are hard to come by. In my mind, Pacheco should be considered up there for his ability to get his yards when the team needs them.
This could be a significant loss for the next handful of games, if these opponents keep up their current form. Chiefs are also, in the meantime, hoping that Steele’s ball security was just a blip on the radar in their last game. The pickup of Perine was a good move in terms of pass protection and receiving, but I expect Steele to get a lot of carries if his usage so far is any indicator.
Kareem hunt incoming
Hunt or Fournette could help
It’s all part of the NFL’s plan.
It’s like God’s Plan, but with more NDAs.
Womp womp
Their offense is no where as effective when they can’t run the ball. Pacheco was a hard runner, this isn’t surprising. One of the very few value RBs found in the late rounds.
Bring back McKinnon I guess? Kareem hunt is also available
McKinnon wouldn’t be bad, but he’d fill the same role that Perine currently does. I’d expect them to add a different type of runner if they add someone.maybe a lower depth agility back, or a more workhorse type vet.
Leonard Fournette comes to mind. Maybe even Damien Pierce from Texans
Good options, though the Chiefs may prefer a free agent to making a trade. Fournette actually came to my mind as well.
Yeah fair enough. Pierce has fallen far in chart even to Akers. He’s a solid back but free agent makes more sense for sure.
Hunt, Lenny or McKinnon I guess or there’s another vet who’s actually been playing on a practice team… Dalvin