Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) has been on the Injured Reserve list since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula and is not expected to return to practice this week or next week. However, head coach Andy Reid said Pacheco is "doing fantastic," which is promising considering the team initially did not know if he would return this season. In his absence, veteran Kareem Hunt has taken over the clear RB1 duties in Kansas City and has rushed 84 times for 308 yards and four touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 40 yards. Hunt has not been efficient, but the team has trusted him to carry the load. Whenever Pacheco returns, he'll surely be a significant contributor to the offense, but he could be eased into action and share touches with Hunt. For now, fantasy managers can continue to stash him in an IR spot and hope he returns to make a difference down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The third-year back out of Rutgers suffered a fractured fibula that requires surgery, and he will miss at least the next four games. However, his timeline was originally set at a six- to eight-week absence, but now it sounds like Kansas City doesn't know if he will play again this season. "I can't give you a timetable for his return," head coach Andy Reid said. "We'll just see whether it's this season or next season." Needless to say, this is a rough development for Pacheco and his fantasy managers, and this is a "wait and see" situation. In his absence, rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are expected to split touches. Kareem Hunt, who just signed to the practice squad, is likely to take a few weeks to get in shape and start contributing.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) will undergo surgery in the middle of this week on the fractured fibula that he suffered in the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and he's expected to miss at least six weeks, according to sources. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that a six- to eight-week timetable is probably a best-case scenario, so the Chiefs will eventually place him on Injured Reserve, which will put him out for at least four games. If doctors find more ligament/tendon damage in Pacheco's leg when they open him up, it could be a longer road back for one of the best young RBs in the NFL. Fantasy managers obviously will want to stash Pacheco everywhere, while rookie Carson Steele immediately becomes one of the top waiver-wire targets this week. Samaje Perine should have an elevated role in KC's backfield as well and is worth a look in deep PPR formats with Pacheco injured.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is expected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a fractured fibula late in Sunday's 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, the injury is a massive blow to the Chiefs' backfield and for fantasy managers. Pacheco played 72.3% of the snaps over the first two weeks, accounting for 79.1% of the rushing attempts and 72.7% of the targets out of the backfield. Rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are the other two running backs on the active roster, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (mental health) on the Non-Football Injury list. Kansas City is bringing in Kareem Hunt for a visit on Tuesday. Steele is the most appealing waiver-wire target currently on the roster after an impressive preseason performance, while Perine should gain more attention in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is headed to injured reserve after breaking his fibula in a win against Cincinnati. Dynasty Analysis: He'll miss at least a month but it's likely going to be more like 6-8 weeks as he recovers. It's a big blow to the offense and for those counting on Pacheco this season in their dynasty leagues. Carson Steele is going to be the hottest pickup in leagues this week as it looks like he'll serve as the early down option with newly signed Samaje Perine picking up major work moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) left the stadium on Sunday in a walking boot and crutches after a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the star back had some initial test results that revealed a fractured fibula. There's still more information on the way to determine the severity and how long Pacheco will be out, but he's set to miss "real time" as Rapoport says. Carson Steele seems to be the next man up for now as he received seven carries on Sunday, while Samaje Perine will likely see a lot more opportunities in the meantime as well. Pacheco's status will be something to continue to monitor to determine backup fantasy plans, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) may get some more opportunities than expected if he can return in time. In a new report from Adam Schefter, Pacheco is expected to land on the IR which means he'll be out for at least four games, and could even miss more than that depending on further testing.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 90 rushing yards on 19 carries in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Pacheco was also involved in the passing game, catching five passes for 21 yards. The Chiefs starting running back showed that he was an integral piece of the offense, earning 24 total touches against a formidable AFC rival. Pacheco did not find the endzone in this contest but still managed to make an impact for fantasy as a rusher and a receiver. The 25-year-old will look to score in next week's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were one of the tougher matchups for running backs last season since they gave up the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns and were middle-of-the-pack in rushing yards allowed. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches, so this is a situation to monitor. If Pacheco is healthy enough to suit up, he should be a strong start despite the difficult matchup.

From RotoBaller

The Kansas City Chiefs are concerned that running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) may have suffered a right fibula injury during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot on Sunday evening. He finished Week 2 with 111 scrimmage yards on 24 total touches, keeping him firmly in the top-12 range for fantasy football running backs. Pacheco will undergo more tests on Monday to pinpoint the injury and estimate how much time he'll miss, if any. In the event that Pacheco is able to suit up next week against the Atlanta Falcons, he'd rank as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) had a solid outing in Sunday's narrow win over the Bengals. Pacheco ran the ball 19 times, amassing 90 yards. He added five catches for 21 yards. However, the 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury late in the contest, with head coach Andy Reid stating the back would undergo further testing. Without question, Pacheco is featured in nearly every fantasy lineup imaginable. But he'll likely appear on the injury report heading into the Week 3, Sunday Night Football showdown with the Atlanta Falcons. If Pacheco can't suit up for that one, Carson Steele, who had seven touches for 24 yards, could be the preferred runner, with Samaje Perine potentially handling most of the pass-catching duties out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Last week, Pacheco ran against one of the most formidable defenses in the league, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens held Pacheco to just 45 rushing yards on 15 carries, but he did manage to find the endzone. The Chiefs starting running back will face an easier test this week against the Bengals, who allowed the seventh-most rushing yards in 2023. The Bengals also allowed the second-most runs of 20 or more yards in 2023. Pacheco had six runs of 20 or more yards in 2023, so he could be in for a few explosive plays in this week's contest. The 25-year-old dominated the backfield carries and was involved in the receiving game in Week 1, which should continue to be the case moving forward. Pacheco is attached to one of the best offenses in the NFL and should be considered a strong start every week he is active.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 45 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in the 27-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. The Baltimore defense came to play as they held Pacheco to just 3.0 yards per carry in this contest. Pacheco's longest run of the game gained only five yards, but he still managed to find the endzone on a one-yard run in the third quarter. Despite his low rushing yardage in this one, the Chiefs lead running back still handled 15 of the 20 total carries for the team. Pacheco also corralled two of his three targets for 33 receiving yards in this contest. Pacheco is undoubtedly the lead back on this high-powered Kansas City offense and should be more productive in this role moving forward. The Chiefs take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Bengals gave up the seventh-most rushing yards per game in 2023. Pacheco will have a chance to bounce back on the ground in addition to his contributions in the receiving game.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. The Ravens defense was among the best defenses last season, allowing the fewest rushing touchdowns in 2023. That said, Pacheco was still given much work the last time these two teams faced off in the AFC Championship. In that game, Pacheco had 24 carries for 68 yards, a touchdown, and four receptions for 14 yards. The Chiefs running back had 28 opportunities against the Ravens in the season's biggest game to that point. Pacheco's massive share of the offense should show how much the Kansas City Chiefs trust him with the ball. This season, Pacheco comes in as the undoubted RB1 of the offense, and with Clyde Edwards-Helaire away from the team, he will be backed up by recently acquired Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele. The run game should go through Pacheco, and he should also get a few looks in the passing game. Pacheco is a strong start in fantasy this week despite the tough matchup against the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: The former Bengal. Commander and Bronco will take his talents to Kansas City and attempt to carve out a meaningful role for the Chiefs. It's a decent enough landing spot as Perine will compete with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for backup or change-of-pace duties for Isiah Pacheco. Perine has been productive at times but he's a long way from looking like an absolute must-add in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is unlikely to play during Thursday's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned as the Chiefs are expected to bench most of their offensive starters. Pacheco is undoubtedly the lead back in Kansas City after having back-to-back strong campaigns to begin his career. That being said, the team doesn't want to risk any injury to Pacheco in an exhibition game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire should join Pacheco on the sideline for this one. That being said, Deneric Prince and Keaontay Ingram should be the primary backs for the Chiefs during Thursday's contest.

From RotoBaller

When Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked by reporters who would fill the void of the 3rd-down running back role left by Jerick McKinnon, he praised Isiah Pacheco and his readiness to take on the responsibility. "He's ready to be able to do all that. He's good with the protections, he's good with the technique and fundamentals, he can run all the routes, he's got great hands." Pacheco out-targeted McKinnon (49-to-32) in 2023 and led him in receptions and yardage. Though McKinnon did outscore the Rutgers product 4-to-2. If what Reid means is that Pacheco is meant to absorb this workload, that would be fantastic news. The third-year Chiefs running back is the RB10 in RotoBaller rankings and the No. 27 overall player in NFFC ADP (RB11). Pacheco had 49 receptions last season and would see his fantasy floor and ceiling rise if his snap share increases.

From RotoBaller