The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be without top running back Isiah Pacheco for multiple weeks or potentially longer.
According to NFL inside Ian Rapoport, sources say that Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday evening's 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He left the game in the fourth quarter after a tackle by three Bengals defenders, and he received attention on the sideline.
According to Rapoport, the initial tests showed that Pacheco had indeed suffered a fractured fibula.
"My understanding is he's going to have more tests (Monday) to determine if there is associated damage," Rapoport said on "Good Morning Football" on Monday. "In other words, if there is damage to the ligaments, what needs to happen next, and how long he is going to be out."
The recovery timeline listed by Rapoport was four to six weeks. Although eight weeks is also a possibility. This timeline means that the Chiefs could place Pacheco on Injured Reserve, which would sideline him for a minimum of four weeks.
Pacheco was heavily involved in the Chiefs-Bengals game before sustaining the injury. He rushed 19 times for 90 yards and he caught five passes for 21 yards.
Undrafted rookie Carson Steele stepped into action for the Chiefs on Sunday as he rushed seven times for 24 yards. He will potentially take on a larger role as Pacheco remains out of the lineup.
Another option for the Chiefs moving forward is Samaje Perine, who the team picked up on waivers before the season. The veteran has not received a carry this season, but he has one catch for 10 yards.
Pacheco is not the only Chiefs skill position player to sustain an injury this season. The team placed wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown on Injured Reserve last week. The free-agent acquisition sustained a shoulder injury during the opening week of the preseason, and he had hopes of returning to the field after recovering.
However, the shoulder did not heal as expected, so Brown will have to undergo surgery.
