The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, aiming to maintain their perfect record and extend their winning streak under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. As the defending Super Bowl champions prepare for what could be their eighth consecutive victory, fans are left wondering about the status of running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been sidelined since Week 2 due to a fractured fibula.
Pacheco, a standout from the 2022 draft, has not seen the field since his injury, which initially sidelined him for a projected six weeks. As the Chiefs head into their seventh week without him, the organization provided an update that may dim hopes for a swift return.
Pacheco’s Recovery Progressing, But Return Delayed
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared that while Pacheco is reportedly “doing fantastic,” his return to practice is unlikely in the next two weeks. This puts his potential comeback around the Week 11 showdown with the Buffalo Bills, a date that now looms large on the calendar for both the team and its fans.
Pacheco was enjoying a solid start to the 2024 season before the injury, amassing 135 rushing yards and a touchdown on 34 carries, along with seven receptions for 54 yards. His absence has been felt deeply, especially as Kansas City’s running game struggled early on.
Chiefs’ Backfield Adjustments: Enter Kareem Hunt
After Pacheco’s injury, the Chiefs’ backfield faced challenges with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine failing to adequately fill the void. However, the franchise found a silver lining by reuniting with former Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt. Although Hunt may not be in his prime, he has stepped up admirably, turning 84 carries into 308 yards and four touchdowns over the past four games. His current pace suggests a potential 357-1,309-17 stat line for the season, though sustaining such production may be unrealistic.
As Pacheco continues his recovery, Hunt’s contributions provide some comfort to a Chiefs team that appears capable of defeating the Buccaneers even without their No. 1 back. FanDuel Sportsbook lists Kansas City as 8.5-point favorites, indicating confidence in their ability to secure the win at Arrowhead Stadium.
Looking Ahead
While the Chiefs remain optimistic about Pacheco’s eventual return, they seem to be in a good position to handle the Buccaneers without him this week. The anticipation builds as fans hold out hope for a strong showing on Monday night and a triumphant return for Pacheco in the near future. As the season progresses, the Chiefs will need to carefully navigate their backfield situation, balancing the health of their star players with their championship aspirations.
