The Kansas City Chiefs have been decimated by injuries this season, and suffered another blow as running back Isiah Pacheco was ruled out of action with a rib injury
Pacheco took a hit to the ribs and is now on the injury report (Image: (Image: Getty Images))
Head coach Andy Reid and his Kansas City Chiefs crew have successfully steered past multiple injuries to clinch an outstanding 15-1 record, topping the AFC charts. In yet another blow, key offensive asset, running back Isiah Pacheco has been added back onto the injury roster.
The misfortune struck again for the third-year talent during the Chiefs’ triumphant 29-10 match against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. Following a six-carry run that earned 18 yards, Pacheco had to leave the field with a rib injury.
The severity of his condition, as well as whether the Chiefs’ significant lead played a part in the decision to keep him off the NFL field, remain uncertain. After the game, Reid recognized the team’s fortune in largely dodging grave injuries over the condensed week (with a mere three-day gap ahead of Wednesday’s game).
He also touched upon Pacheco’s status. “As far as the injuries go, Pacheco would be the only one,” remarked Reid. “He got dinged his ribs there. So we’ll see how bad they are.”
Andy Reid confirmed Isiah Pacheco has joined the injury list (Image: (Image: Getty Images))
Additionally, Reid praised his squad’s depth in the running department, reports the Express US. He said: “On the positive side of that, he played good football, along with Kareem [Hunt], and [Samaje] Perine just keeps making plays for us.”
Pacheco previously had to take time out from September until November due to an early-season fractured fibula, sidelining him for about two and a half months.
This season has seen the former Rutgers runner accumulate 310 yards and tally one touchdown.
Following an impressive season where Pacheco achieved 935 yards and seven touchdowns, forming a crucial partnership with Patrick Mahomes, any absence could have an impact. During the playoffs, Pacheco took his performance to the next level with 313 yards and three touchdowns, significantly contributing to the Chiefs securing two consecutive Super Bowl titles.
If Pacheco is forced to miss several games, the Chiefs would likely turn to Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine to fill the gap. Hunt joined the team mid-season, while Perine has been utilised primarily for his pass-catching skills, having secured a first-round bye, it’s possible that Pacheco would have been given a rest regardless.
Mahomes remained tight-lipped when questioned about whether he would sit out their upcoming clash with the Denver Broncos, stating: “I’m going to [plan to] start, and if Coach wants me to go out there and play,” he said. “I’ll go out there and play.
If he doesn’t, I’ll sit back. I fully trust that Coach Reid knows what he’s doing, and he’s done it for a long time.
