Heading into the final week of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs are singing a new tune. “All I want for Christmas is health.” With a 29-10 win Wednesday over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs (15-1) clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference and home-field advantage. It marks the fourth time under coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes that the team has secured the AFC’s top seed.
But the team will need all the rest they can get before gearing up for another postseason run. Eyeing a three-peat, the Chiefs watched as star running back, Isiah Pacheco, exited early on Christmas. Except the running back wasn’t heading for some early dinner plans.
Here’s the latest on Pacheco:
Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco just left locker room ahead of teammates. Would seem likely he’s getting imaging for his ribs injury.
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) December 25, 2024
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says that RB Isiah Pacheco’s rib injury is the only injury of note.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) December 25, 2024
Isiah Pacheco injury update
Pacheco is dealing with a rib injury and did not return on Christmas after departing early in the fourth quarter. Pacheco got up holding his midsection after a carry, immediately left the field and was evaluated on the sideline. With the Chiefs up big in Pittsburgh, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kansas City simply just kept him out of action. Considering the running back just returned from a lengthy absence, exercising caution in a blowout is the smart move.
Chiefs RB depth chart
If Pacheco misses time going forward, here’s a look at the Chiefs’ running back depth chart:
.Kareem Hunt
.Samaje Perine
.Carson Steele
Isiah Pacheco stats
Pacheco only totaled six carries for 18 yards on Christmas. He has never truly regained his footing since returning from the leg injury that cost him a majority of the season to this point. With a little more rest, the Chiefs will hope to have him back at full strength to start their playoff run.
