Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco's injury might be more significant than initially feared.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid provided updates on Pacheco after the game , stating that he'd undergo further testing. After those comments, Pacheco was seen emotional in the locker room, with teammates and Reid consoling him. The 25-year-old was spotted leaving GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot and crutches, which is never a good sign. The latest news is that this might be more than a simple ankle injury.
During the "Sunday Night Football" broadcast, NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported that the Chiefs are concerned that this could be an injury to the fibula where it meets the ankle. That'd likely mean a bone fracture and a much more significant absence for No. 10.
Of course, the Chiefs have UDFA sensation Carson Steele and Samaje Perine on the 53-man roster. Steele is still learning as evidenced by his Week 2 fumble against the Bengals. Perine is also learning the system after joining the team days before Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season .
The Chiefs have RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the Reserve/PUP list until at least Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season as he deals with complications related to PTSD . The Chiefs also have RBs Emani Bailey and Keaontay Ingram on the practice squad. However, this type of scenario could require some extra expertise if it's an extended absence for Pacheco.
Jerick McKinnon
This is the most natural fit for the Chiefs given that he's been on the roster for the past three seasons and knows the system. He has 105 career carries for over 400 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Chiefs. His best asset is his ability as a pass-catcher and pass-blocker. He has 91 receptions for over 800 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving in the same span with Kansas City.The big question would be: Is he ready to play? He hasn't practiced since Super Bowl LVIII and hasn't been with a team this offseason.
Boston Scott
Scott is an intriguing option for Kansas City because he had some of his best seasons under former Chiefs OC Doug Pederson with the Philadelphia Eagles. The diminutive running back has 75 career games played under his belt, recording 302 carries for 1,295 yards and 16 career touchdowns. He was also a shifty pass-catcher in Philly, with 71 catches for 566 yards and one score.
Kareem Hunt
A former third-round draft pick for the Chiefs, who was released by the team in 2018 after a video surfaced of him assaulting a woman and he lied about it. Hunt has since played five seasons with 65 games played for the Cleveland Browns, recording 577 carries for over 2200 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. This would admittedly be a drastic change in heart for Kansas City.
Deneric Prince (Dolphins practice squad)
The Chiefs could get creative and go after their former undrafted free agent signing who spent 2023 on the practice squad in Kansas City. Steele surpassed Prince during training camp and the preseason, but his familiarity with the scheme could lead to his return in a dire situation. His high point this preseason was a 41-yard carry against the Detroit Lions.
Frank Gore Jr. (Bills practice squad)
This is a move that would be popular for a couple of different reasons. Not only are you getting the son of an NFL legend, but you're stealing him from one of your most bitter rivals, the Buffalo Bills. The rookie out of Southern Miss was phenomenal during the preseason, carrying the ball 33 times for 163 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also managed four receptions for 16 yards.
Related: Chiefs HC Andy Reid reignites key position battle just two weeks into the 2024 NFL season
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