The Chiefs’ lack of depth at running back is set to be tested early in the 2024 season.
In the Patrick Mahomes era, it has been a carousel of backs getting reps in the rushing game. There was no solid RB1 for Kansas City for a number of years until Isiah Pacheco emerged in 2022. He solidified his role as the starter last year, and began the 2024 campaign as the lead back after helping the Chiefs win a second consecutive Super Bowl.
However, Pacheco’s season could be put on hold following the team’s Week 2 win over the Bengals. The running back was injured late in the contest against Cincinnati, and while there was optimism coming out of the game, the news coming out of the week is less promising.
The Kansas City RB finished the game with 19 carries for 90 yards while adding five receptions for 21 receiving yards.
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If Pacheco is sidelined for an extended period of time, who is set to take over starting reps? Here is more to know about the Chiefs’ running-back room.
Isiah Pacheco injury update
Pacheco left Sunday’s win over the Bengals on the final drive of the game. He was wrapped up by three Bengals players and landed awkwardly, twisting his knee and ankle on the way down.
Pacheco was removed from the game at the two-minute warning and did not return. He reportedly fractured his fibula, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed Monday, and is expected to miss time. Pacheco could be placed on Injured Reserve due to the issue.
The broadcast did show Pacheco on his feet celebrating with the team after Butker’s game-winning 51-yard field goal, leading some to believe the injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared. However, the news coming the day after does not seem promising in the short term.
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No. 1. Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco is the clear top dog in Reid’s rush attack — when healthy. Now that he is set to be sidelined for a few weeks, there will be a new No. 1 soon.
So far in 2024, the Rutgers product has rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries. He is averaging 4.0 yards per carry, which is a slight dip from his 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. He’s an incredibly hard runner who looks to bulldoze over defenders when given the chance.
No. 2. Samaje Perine
Perine signed with the Chiefs this offseason after spending the 2023 season in Denver. The 29-year-old is utilized more in the passing game than the rushing game, as he is one of the league’s best receivers out of the backfield. He has used his soft hands and precise route-running to great acclaim during his eight-year career.
So far in 2024, Perine has yet to receive a carry and has two catches on three targets for 13 yards. It’s unlikely he’ll be the sole lead back with Pacheco out given his limited skillset, but he could be more of a weapon for Mahomes in the passing game.
No. 3. Carson Steele
Rounding out the troops in the backfield is former UCLA standout Carson Steele, who rode a strong preseason showing to a roster spot with Kansas City for the regular season. So far in 2024, he has nine carries for 27 yards and a fumble.
Steele is a bruising runner who can dish out punishment on opposition markers as he makes his way down the field. He currently is listed as the fullback for the team, but with Pacheco out and Perine used more as a receiver, it paves the way for Steele to potentially log the majority of carries on the team. He’s not particularly speedy — at least not by NFL standards — but he has decent vision and his willingness to crash into defensive lines for short-yard gains.