Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco underwent surgery on Wednesday for his broken fibula. The third-year player sustained the injury during the final drive of the Chiefs’ 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport confirmed that the surgery, performed by renowned foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, was successful and without complications. Pacheco’s recovery timeline is expected to be between six to eight weeks.
While Rapoport suggests Pacheco could return in about two months, head coach Andy Reid refrained from making any predictions about his return. “I can’t give you a time when he’ll return,” Reid stated. “We’ll just see if it’s this season or next season.”
In the first two games of the season, Pacheco recorded 34 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown, along with seven receptions for 54 yards. In response to the injury, Kansas City has signed former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt and promoted Keaontay Ingram from the practice squad, alongside undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine.
Steele expressed confidence in Pacheco’s recovery, saying, “If anybody’s going to come back bigger and faster, it’ll be Pacheco.” Perine added, “We know he’s taking it very hard, but we’re supporting him and praying for a speedy recovery.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes noted Pacheco’s resilience after the injury, emphasizing his passion for the game. “He loves the game, so he wants to be out there,” Mahomes remarked. “I think the trainers will have to hold him back more than him not wanting to get to work. I’m excited for his comeback.”
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