Andy Reid reveals when Isiah Pacheco will return from injury
The primetime win came with a scare for Kansas City. After leaving Commanders with a knee problem, Isiah Pacheco was diagnosed with an MCL sprain and is considered week-to-week, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelliser. He had 12 carries for 58 yards before exiting, a reminder of just how central he is to the offense in a contract year as he works his way back from last season’s leg injuries.
On Sunday, Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports added timely clarity on the sidenoting that Pacheco is out today, that Andy Reid he says he avoided serious injury and should be back after the bye. Meanwhile, the job shifts to Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to cover early downs, passing situations and short yards while Pacheco heals.
The Reid Committee’s options offer clear roles. Hunt’s contact vision and balance suit the inside zone and gap schemes that shut down drives. Smith has shined as a starter and exit receiver who can spread linebackers and handle third downs.
Edwards-Heller remains a change-of-pace threat on a screen who understands protection. Expect Reid to rely on packaged plays and RPOs that keep Patrick Mahomes in front of the sticks, minimizing obvious run information without overwhelming either quarterback.
The offense can afford to be patient as the passing game is buzzing with Rushie Rice and Xavier Worthy stretching the floor and Travis Kelce still commanding key downs. Kelce just tied Priest Holmes for the most regular season touchdowns in franchise history at 83, and his gravitas helps reduce the number of boxes that Pacheco usually punishes. If the line continues to generate clean first downs, Kansas City can maintain its running efficiency until its tone-setter returns.
As for the roster talk, an August report from ESPN’s Dan Graziano presents a theory look for a third back behind a healthy Pacheco. That was preseason context, not an immediate push, and today he plans to ride the trio at home until the bye, then move Pacheco back to the top of the rotation when he’s medically cleared.
2025-11-03 15:27:00
