Isiah Pacheco Injury Update: Chiefs’ Heart and Soul of the Run Game in Serious Doubt for Week 11 vs. Broncos
Isiah Pacheco Injury Update: Chiefs’ Heart and Soul of the Run Game in Serious Doubt for Week 11 vs. Broncos
November 13, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense may be facing one of its toughest challenges of the season — and it has nothing to do with Patrick Mahomes or the passing game. Star running back Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a significant knee injury that kept him sidelined for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills — and now, it looks like that absence might stretch into Week 11.
Pacheco, who has been the emotional spark and physical heartbeat of Kansas City’s backfield, was listed on the initial injury report this week and did not participate in practice on Tuesday, November 12. That’s not a great sign for his availability as the Chiefs prepare to face division rival Denver Broncos in a crucial AFC West showdown.
Sources inside the organization describe the injury as “lingering,” and though not officially season-threatening, the Chiefs are proceeding with extreme caution. The team understands just how vital Pacheco’s energy, aggression, and yards-after-contact ability are — but they also know pushing him too early could make things much worse.
When asked about Pacheco’s status, head coach Andy Reid didn’t sugarcoat the situation. Reid said:
“Isiah’s a warrior, but his knee’s not ready. We’re not going to rush him. Kareem [Hunt] will step up and handle the lead role, and we’ve got faith in the rest of our running back group.”
That “rest of the group” now includes Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, all of whom could see increased touches if Pacheco sits. Hunt — who recently rejoined the Chiefs — is expected to be the featured back, with Mitchell and Edwards-Helaire rotating situationally.
Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, Pacheco himself struck a mix of frustration and realism.
“I hate sitting out,” he said. “But I’ve got to be smart with my body. I’m doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible — just maybe not this week.”
For a Chiefs offense that thrives on balance and rhythm, losing Pacheco would be a major blow. His trademark energy has defined the team’s offensive identity this season. And as Kansas City braces for Denver, the question isn’t just whether the Chiefs can win — it’s whether they can look like themselves without the fire that Isiah Pacheco brings.
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