The Kansas City Chiefs are entering Week 11 with an impressive record as the lone undefeated team in the NFL. As two-time defending champions, they are not only maintaining their winning streak but also getting healthier as the season progresses. One of the most notable updates is the return of running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been recovering from a fractured fibula sustained in Week 2 against the Bengals. This week marked his first return to practice since the injury, igniting hope among fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike.
Is Isiah Pacheco playing this week?
Unfortunately, Chiefs fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Pacheco back on the field. The team has officially ruled him out for Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. While he participated in practice this week, Kansas City feels he still needs more time to fully recover. This decision comes after Pacheco was a limited participant in practice throughout the week, following the team’s designation of him to return from injured reserve.
The Chiefs have opened a 21-day practice window for Pacheco, which means they have until the end of this period to activate him to the active roster. Looking ahead, Kansas City faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 12 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. Will Pacheco be ready to make his return by then? Only time will tell.
Chiefs RB depth chart
With Pacheco sidelined, the Chiefs’ backfield will once again be led by Kareem Hunt, who has been a reliable option this season. In fact, he was the only true running back to receive a carry in last week’s game, showcasing his importance to the team. So far, Hunt has accumulated 125 carries for 449 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in all rushing categories.
Here’s a look at the current depth chart for the Chiefs’ running backs:
| Rank | Name (Status) |
| No. 1 | Isiah Pacheco (Out) |
| No. 2 | Kareem Hunt |
| No. 3 | Carson Steele |
| No. 4 | Samaje Perine |
| No. 5 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
Carson Steele serves as the team’s fullback and has the second-most carries on the team this season. Meanwhile, Samaje Perine is primarily a depth option but has seen some action in the backfield alongside Hunt and Steele. As for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the former first-round pick has yet to see any action this season and is typically inactive on game days.
Isiah Pacheco fantasy outlook
Looking ahead, once Pacheco returns to the field, he is expected to reclaim his position at the top of the Chiefs’ depth chart. However, with Hunt’s strong performance in Pacheco’s absence, it raises an interesting question: will the two running backs split carries moving forward? Given Hunt’s current form, it’s likely that the Chiefs will utilize both players strategically to maximize their offensive potential.
Pacheco’s dynamic running style combined with Hunt’s experience could create a formidable duo. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on this situation, as it could significantly impact their rosters. Will Pacheco’s return mean a decrease in Hunt’s workload, or will they find a way to make both players valuable in fantasy lineups?
Looking ahead for the Chiefs
As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will be on how they can maintain their undefeated status while managing injuries. With Pacheco out, fans will be eager to see how Hunt performs against the Bills and whether he can continue to lead the backfield effectively. The Chiefs have shown resilience this season, and their ability to adapt will be crucial as they aim for another championship run.
In summary, while Isiah Pacheco’s return to the field is highly anticipated, the Chiefs have the depth and talent to keep their momentum going. As fantasy football players strategize for the weeks ahead, the dynamics of the Chiefs’ backfield will be an essential factor to monitor. The excitement is palpable, and fans can’t wait to see how this story unfolds as the season progresses.
