Is Isiah Pacheco The Starting Running Back For The Chiefs When He Returns? Week 11 Update

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is drawing closer to his return to play after suffering a fibula fracture and undergoing surgery to correct the issue. Thankfully, it wasn't a season-ending injury, and it's almost certain that we will see him play again this season, barring an unexpected setback or another injury. 

Pacheco was a breakout star in 2023, finishing as the RB15 overall in full-PPR scoring despite only playing in 14 games. He's known as one of the hardest runners in the league, though that may just be for his unique gait. Regardless, he'll provide a boost to an inconsistent Chiefs offense.

So, will he be the starter when he returns? Here is the latest status on Pacheco and his outlook for the rest of the season.

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Will Isiah Pacheco Start For The Chiefs When He Returns?

Yes, but we could see a limited workload to start out with. RBs returning from leg injuries tend to see a ramp-up in activity over the course of a few games, and we could see some kind of backfield split between Pacheco and backup Kareem Hunt for at least two games. After that, though, it will be training wheels off.

The #Chiefs are designating RB Isiah Pacheco to return from IR, per @Schultz_Report. The undefeated Chiefs are close to getting a key player back. pic.twitter.com/9pqKOmPeg7

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 12, 2024

He was designated to return from injured reserve on November 12, meaning Kansas City has a 21-day window during which they must elevate him to the active roster or have him ineligible to play for the rest of the season. This means fantasy managers should expect to have him back some time before Week 14.

My assumption: #chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco won't play Sunday vs the #Bills, but JuJu Smith-Schuster does return this week from his hamstring injury.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 12, 2024

It may not take that long, but it seems unlikely that he'll play in Week 11, when his team will take on the Buffalo Bills. That could be Hunt's last game as the starting RB.

Isiah Pacheco Fantasy Football Outlook

He could take a production hit when he returns, considering he'll be rusty from his injury. Initially, the team could lean on Hunt to take some work off No. 10's shoulders, which makes sense because Hunt has been performing sufficiently in his time as the lone starter.

#Ravens Isaiah Likely - Avg hamstring = 2 wks. Data slightly favors missing Wk 11#Chiefs Isiah Pacheco - Lean towards Wk 12-13 return. Data suggests significant production hit 20+% initially#Cowboys Micah Parsons - Lean towards playing. Data favors moderate dip

11/13

— Deepak Chona, MD. SportsMedAnalytics (@SportMDAnalysis) November 9, 2024

Once he's back to being fully healthy, he should return to form. By the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 14-17), he should be at or very close to 100% and resume the excellent play we saw from him last year.

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