Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is confident that he will be at full strength on September 7 when the Chiefs begin their Super Bowl championship defense against the Detroit Lions. Pacheco missed all of the offseason practice due to surgeries for shoulder and hand injuries, but he has been working with the team’s staff on a plan to get back into shape.
During the Chiefs’ minicamp, Pacheco has been a limited participant, wearing a bright yellow jersey usually reserved for quarterbacks to indicate no contact. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his full practice participation clearance, but Pacheco trusts the coaches to make the call when he’s ready.
Last season, Pacheco led the Chiefs in rushing as a rookie, gaining 830 yards and scoring five touchdowns despite playing through injuries. He revealed that he played with an injured shoulder for much of the season and broke his hand in the AFC Championship Game, but still performed well in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs have shown confidence in Pacheco’s availability for the upcoming season, as they did not sign any additional running backs through free agency or the draft. Pacheco is determined to rush for at least 1,000 yards this season, aiming to become the first Chiefs running back to achieve that milestone since Kareem Hunt in 2017.
Photo credit – You Tube screen shot / KSHB 41 / St. Joseph, MO
