Isiah Pacheco faces lengthy recovery after fibula surgery in Kansas City

Isiah Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs' running back, suffered a broken fibula during the final minutes of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which the Chiefs won 26-25. Following the injury, head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Pacheco underwent surgery and has been placed on injured reserve. Reid indicated that the timeline for Pacheco's return remains uncertain, with possibilities extending into next season. Fortunately, reports suggest that Pacheco did not sustain any ligament damage, which could aid in his recovery. The injury occurred on the first play of the Chiefs' last possession, leading to Pacheco leaving the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches. Prior to his injury, he had a strong performance, rushing for 90 yards and scoring a touchdown. In his absence, the Chiefs will rely on undrafted rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to fill the void in the backfield. Additionally, the team has signed veteran running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad to bolster their options. Reid expressed hope that Pacheco could return sooner rather than later, but emphasized the need to assess his progress before making any decisions. The Chiefs are preparing for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, where Pacheco is expected to be sidelined. The coaching staff is closely monitoring his recovery, aiming to provide updates as they evaluate his condition. The situation highlights the challenges teams face with injuries, especially to key players like Pacheco, who has been instrumental in the Chiefs' recent success, including their back-to-back Super Bowl championships. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the league.