Report: Injured Pacheco out 6-8 weeks, Chiefs hosting Hunt
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will miss time after tests revealed he fractured his fibula in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Pacheco, who will be placed on the injured reserve, is expected to miss about six-to-eight weeks, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The 25-year-old had X-rays after the contest Sunday and underwent an MRI on Monday to determine if there's a fracture or ligament damage to his ankle, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pacheco appeared to sustain the injury in the second half of Sunday's contest and left the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches.
With Pacheco sidelined, the Chiefs are bringing in veteran running back Kareem Hunt for a visit Tuesday, according to Schefter. The free agent - who spent the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns - played for K.C. in 2017 and 2018. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2017 after leading the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards.
Rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine could receive more carries with Pacheco sidelined. Clyde Edwards-Helaire began the season on the non-football injury list and isn't eligible to return until Week 5.
Head coach Andy Reid recently said that general manager Brett Veach is "going through his list" and looking for potential free agents at running back, according to the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell.
Pacheco rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries in Week 2 and averaged four yards per carry over the first two games this season. The Rutgers product has emerged as the Chiefs' most reliable tailback since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022. He recorded over 900 scrimmage yards in each of his previous two NFL campaigns.
Pacheco is the latest Chiefs starter to miss significant time. Kansas City recently placed receiver Hollywood Brown on IR with a shoulder injury.