Report: Chiefs RB fractures fibula, expected to land on injured reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs earned a second consecutive nail-biting victory over an AFC North foe in their 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but their starting running back got hurt in the process.

Isiah Pacheco played during most of the Chiefs’ win, but he suffered an apparent leg injury late in the contest when he was sandwiched by three Bengals defenders.

Pacheco left the game and didn’t return to the contest. The Chiefs did not provide an in-game update on his status given that it occurred late in the game, but he was spotted after the contest in a walking boot and on crutches.

Now, Pacheco is going to miss some time with a leg injury. Here’s what to know about Pacheco’s injury:

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Isiah Pacheco injury update

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pacheco fractured his fibula and is set to miss ‘real time.’ More information will come to determine the severity and associated damage.

ESPN reports that Pacheco is expected to land on injured reserve, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games and potentially more.

Pacheco’s injury occurred just after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter when he took a first-and-10 carry up the middle for a 1-yard gain. He was quickly surrounded by three Bengals defenders and bent backward as he was tackled from behind during the play.

Pacheco did not return to the field after suffering the injury. The Chiefs used a rotation of Samaje Perine and Carson Steele to finish their game-winning drive while Pacheco remained on the sidelines.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid revealed after the game that Pacheco had suffered an ankle injury. The running back was ’emotional’ in the locker room, according to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star, but was still walking under his own power.

However, Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.

Who is Isiah Pacheco’s backup on Chiefs depth chart?

The Chiefs have two running backs on their 53-man roster behind Pacheco: Samaje Perine and Carson Steele. Perine, an eight-year veteran, has operated as Pacheco’s primary backup while Steele, an undrafted rookie, has handled a some between-the-tackles work while serving as a fullback for the team.

Should Pacheco miss time because of his injury, Perine would likely absorb most of the passing-down work for the Chiefs while the between-the-tackels work might be more of an even split. It’s worth noting that Steele handled seven carries and generated 19 yards in Week 2 against the Bengals while Perine’s only touch came on a 3-yard reception.

Isiah Pacheco stats

Pacheco enjoyed a productive outing in Week 2 against the Bengals, racking up 90 yards on 19 carries and adding 25 yards on five catches. He generated positive yardage on most of his carries, though his longest play was just a 13-yard reception.

Pacheco doubled up his rushing yardage from the Chiefs’ season opener, as he generated just 45 yards on 15 carries in that contest. He did score on the ground during that outing, his lone touchdown of the 2024 season to date.

Pacheco ran for 935 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries last season. All marks were career-highs.