Despite Dan Campbell expressing confidence regarding his Week 1 availability after recent practice absences, MCL strains require a multi-week recovery, and Isiah Pacheco may simply not be ready for the start of the season. Once active, he sits firmly behind Jahmyr Gibbs on the depth chart.

Gibbs ceiling only goes higher with this news, as he already commands elite volume metrics, including a 63.6-percent Opportunity Share and a 17.1-percent Target Share, leaving zero standalone fantasy value for secondary backfield options. Meanwhile, Pacheco functions as a pure contingent asset whose fantasy utility depends on a starter injury ahead of him.