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Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was drafted as a top-12 running back in most fantasy football drafts. Unfortunately, fantasy players regret that decision.
The former Rutgers star was outstanding in Week 1, totaling 15 rushing attempts for 45 yards, a touchdown, and 14.8 half-point PPR fantasy points. He also had 19 rushing attempts for 90 yards and 13.6 fantasy points in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unfortunately, Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula late in the Week 2 victory that required surgery. How long will he be out of the lineup? Let’s dive into it.
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When Is Isiah Pacheco Coming Back?
Pacheco had successful surgery last week. Reportedly, there weren’t any complications or ligament damage, meaning he could return this season. However, head coach Andy Reid doesn’t sound as confident that Pacheco will return in 2024. He has indicated that the star running back might not play again this year.
INJURY UPDATE: Andy Reid indicates Isiah Pacheco (fibula) could be out for the year pic.twitter.com/j5vUHPM8Ae
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) September 20, 2024
That said, there is at least some optimism that he could return in the middle or late part of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Fantasy Football Outlook
With Pacheco out of the lineup, the Chiefs are using a running back by committee approach. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine handled all the backfield workload in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, totaling 13.4 fantasy points combined. Meanwhile, Kareem Hunt is waiting in the wings after signing with the team’s practice squad last week. While he didn’t play against the Falcons, the veteran could make his season debut in Week 4.
Chiefs to sign RB Kareem Hunt to practice squad. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/VxfZKtwd8A
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2024
Fantasy players must accept that there likely isn’t a clear-cut replacement for Pacheco in the backfield. Steele, Perine, and Hunt will all have a role, limiting each other’s fantasy upside. Meanwhile, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football injury list. However, he is eligible to return as early as next week.
Edwards-Helaire was the featured guy when Pacheco missed time last season. Fantasy players looking for the most upside out of the backfield should add Edwards-Helaire off the waiver wire this week. He could be the lead guy for the Chiefs starting in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints.
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