Chiefs Rule Out RB Isiah Pacheco for Week 11 Against Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 11 preparing for a divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos, but they will do so without a key offensive contributor. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in Week 8, will miss his second straight game.

Pacheco initially sustained the injury during Kansas City’s 28–7 win over the Washington Commanders, a victory that came with significant long-term cost. The fourth-year back has not taken the field since, and his absence continues to leave the Chiefs searching for stability in their rushing attack.

Kansas City hoped its Week 10 bye would give Pacheco enough time to recover, but his inability to practice throughout the week signaled that a return was unlikely. That expectation became official when the team ruled him out on Friday.

As the Chiefs look to maintain their momentum atop the AFC West, they now must navigate another week without their lead rusher—forcing adjustments across the backfield.

1. Pacheco Sidelined Again as Recovery Stalls

The Chiefs formally ruled out Isiah Pacheco for Sunday’s matchup, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, confirming that the 26-year-old will miss his second straight game. The knee injury sustained in Week 8 continues to limit his mobility and has prevented him from participating in any team drills. Pacheco’s absence is a setback for an offense that relies on his energy, physicality, and ability to extend drives. Before the injury, he had solidified himself as Kansas City’s starting running back, showing flashes of his dynamic running style throughout the first half of the season. The Chiefs expected the bye week to provide the recovery time needed for a quick return, but medical evaluations made clear he was not ready to resume contact. With Kansas City opting not to place him on injured reserve, the team remains hopeful he can return in the near future. Still, Pacheco’s recent injury history raises concern, as he missed 10 games last season with a fractured fibula, marking the second year in a row he has been forced to the sideline.

2. Chiefs Turn to Hunt and Depth Options in the Backfield

With Pacheco unavailable, Kansas City will once again turn to veteran Kareem Hunt to lead the backfield. Hunt has served as a complementary option this season, operating as a change-of-pace runner behind Pacheco. His role now expands significantly as the primary ball-carrier. Beyond Hunt, the Chiefs may look to Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell to fill out the rotation. Both backs could see increased opportunities, particularly in specific packages designed to diversify the run game and protect Hunt from an overly heavy workload. Kansas City’s rushing attack has been inconsistent at times, and Pacheco’s absence adds a layer of uncertainty. Still, the coaching staff has shown confidence in its depth, emphasizing the importance of committee production when key players are unavailable. The challenge will be maintaining balance in the offense, especially as the team enters a stretch of crucial divisional games.

3. Pacheco’s Season Before the Injury

Before being sidelined, Pacheco had firmly taken hold of the starting job, delivering steady—if not explosive—production over the first eight games. He totaled 329 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including one receiving score. His 44.1 yards per game average is the lowest of his career, though Kansas City’s uneven offensive rhythm and reliance on the passing game have contributed to the dip in output. Even so, Pacheco remained a key element of the Chiefs’ offense, providing a physical running style that complements Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack. His ability to wear down defenses and create balance has been especially valuable in tight contests. Losing that presence has forced Kansas City to adjust its approach and has placed added emphasis on Hunt’s versatility and durability. If Pacheco can avoid an IR designation and return soon, the Chiefs should regain an important piece of their offensive identity heading into the second half of the season.