Chiefs fans received some positive news before “Monday Night Football” against the Buccaneers in Week 9.
The defending Super Bowl champions have been operating for a majority of this season without running back Isiah Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2. Kansas City then brought back former RB Kareem Hunt to take over the starting duties in his absence.
While Pacheco won’t be suiting up for the prime-time contest against Tampa Bay, the running back is eyeing a return this month. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared some insight Sunday morning before the Week 9 slate.
Here’s the latest news on a potential Pacheco’s return.
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When will Isiah Pacheco return?
Pacheco is expected to return to action at some point in the next two-to-three weeks, according to Rapoport.
“My understanding is [that] Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula, is expected to resume practice in two-to-three weeks,” Rapoport said. “He’s targeting a late-November return, so the rich continue to get richer.”
From @NFLGameDay: The #Rams are expected to have WR Puka Nacua (knee) today despite an injury scare, while the #Chiefs eye a late-November return for Isiah Pacheco (broken fibula). pic.twitter.com/Mj3nVYQPtd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2024
At the time, Pacheco was expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, so his return looks like it will be longer to the eight-week estimate.
Whenever Pacheco does return, it could create an excellent 1-2 duo of the backfield with Hunt, who can be utilized more as a short-yard option on third downs and plays close to the goal line. In two games this season, Pacheco rushed 34 times for 135 yards and a touchdown, while adding seven receptions on eight targets for 54 yards.
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Isiah Pacheco injury
Pacheco left the Chiefs’ Week 2 win over the Bengals on the final drive of the game. He was tackled by three Bengals players and landed awkwardly, twisting his knee and ankle on the way down.
Pacheco injury damn pic.twitter.com/H6eWAKS2o3
— Tedd Buddwell ?? (@TedBuddy8) September 15, 2024
Pacheco was removed from the game at the two-minute warning and did not return.
Tests confirmed that the running back fractured his fibula. He underwent surgery on the leg on Sept. 15 and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.
