UPDATE: After receiving the news Monday morning that Pacheco would be placed on IR, we have an update on the back’s timeline for a return, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that Pacheco is expected to miss around six to eight weeks. In the wake of this news, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that free agent back Kareem Hunt is visiting the Chiefs on Tuesday. The former Pro-Bowler began his career with Kansas City, but struggled in his 15 games with the Browns last season, averaging a career-low 3.0 yards per carry. Still, adding Hunt and his veteran presence is a smart move for this Chiefs’ club that is all of a sudden very thin at running back, with Carsen Steele and Samaje Perine as the only healthy backs on the roster with Pacheco on the shelf. – Alex Hunter
UPDATE: On Monday morning, the Chiefs got bad news on starting RB Isiah Pacheco. Here’s what NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport had to report:
Later in the morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pacheco is expected to land on IR, meaning he would miss at least four weeks, but there’s definitely the potential that he’ll be out even longer, depending on what tests show later on Monday.
The Chiefs will be without Pacheco for Week 3, when they play on Sunday Night Football against the Falcons. Kansas City is a 4.5-point road favorite, with the over/under set at 47.
The Chiefs could take a look at bringing in a free agent to fortify their backfield while Pacheco is out, but if they stick with in-house options, Carson Steele appears to be the top option, as I wrote about last night in my Week 3 Waiver Wire preview. He could blend with veteran Samaje Perine to form a committee.
This week could also be a good time to buy low on Travis Kelce, who has only four catches on the season but should be much more involved in short passes if the Chiefs’ running game is less effective.
SUNDAY: The Chiefs narrowly escaped Arrowhead with a 26-25 come-from-behind win, but the story after the game concerns the status of their starting tailback.
Late in the fourth quarter, Isiah Pacheco ($6,900; 16.1 FPTS) seemed to land gingerly after getting tackled by a pair of Bengals defenders. After the incident, he limped off the field and went to lie down on the sideline. Pacheco finished the afternoon with 19 carries for 90 yards. In the postgame press conference, coach Andy Reid said the 25-year-old was being evaluated for an ankle injury.
The initial signs look worrisome as Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot. He’ll undergo testing and x-rays tomorrow, but his absence could be a massive blow to the remaining champions.
If Pacheco misses some time, Kansas City will likely turn to alligator aficionado Carson Steele ($4,000; 1.4 FPTS). The rookie out of UCLA had seven rushes for 24 yards but had a costly fumble in the first quarter. Across his two games, Steele is averaging just three yards per carry. –Xaiver Aguilar
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