Andy Reid Makes Isiah Pacheco Announcement Ahead of Raiders-Chiefs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Benedetto Vitale | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 3:12 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are 10-1 on the season entering Week 13 when they take on divisional rival the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday. Kansas City has looked like one of the best teams in the league this season despite not having one of its superstar players on the offense.

Running back Isiah Pacheco has been out since the Chiefs' 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a fractured fibula. The 24-year-old rusher showed major potential for having a big year before the injury, recording 135 yards and a touchdown in his first two games.

The Chiefs made do without Pacheco in the backfield. After giving rookie Carson Steele a shot as the starter, the front office brought in 29-year-old Kareem Hunt to fill in for Pacheco. Through eight games, Hunt has recorded 577 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt.

However, it appears Pacheco is finally on his way back after head coach Andy Reid announced that the star running back is expected to play in Week 13 against the Raiders, barring any setbacks, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.

Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu will play for the Chiefs on Friday against the Raiders as long as they don't have any setbacks, Andy Reid said.
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) November 27, 2024

It's unclear exactly how many carries Pacheco will receive in his first game back from a fractured fibula. There's a chance Reid limits the star running back against the Raiders on Friday to ease him back into the mix.

The third-year running back returns from injury in an intriguing matchup. Not only are the Raiders an AFC West rival, but the Las Vegas rush defense ranks 13th in the league in stopping the run (1,314 yards allowed). The Raiders are also tied 25th in allowing rushing touchdowns with 11 on the season so far.

Pacheco first burst onto the scene in 2022 as a rookie after the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He proved to be reliable in the backfield and started in 11 of 17 games played during his rookie campaign.

Ahead of the 2024 season, Pacheco was expected to have a breakout season, as many believed he would break the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the first time of his career. However, the injury halted what could have been a monster season.

The Chiefs are getting healthier at the right time of the season. With six games remaining on the schedule, Pacheco has more than enough time to get back into a groove before the start of the playoffs. Kansas City has a 99% chance of making the postseason with a win over the Raiders in Week 13.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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