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.
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Fantasy relevant players ruled out Sunday include Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Joe Burrow, Samaje Perine, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Dalton Kincaid, Jaxson Dart, Darius Slayton, C.J. Stroud, Brenton Strange, Marvin Harrison, Tory Horton, Isiah Pacheco, J.K. Dobbins, Rashod Bateman, Justice Hill, and Sam LaPorta.
Per Adam Schefter
Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury on Monday Night Football. It appeared he was ok when he hopped off the trainers table, but it has come out that he suffered an MCL sprain.
This will keep Pacheco out on a week to week basis. This immediately provides life to Brashard Smith in the profitable Jerick McKinnon role and fortifies Kareem Hunt as the between the tackles grinder. With the Chiefs backfield narrowing from 3 to 2 primary weapons, this will be easier for fantasy purposes in start and sit decisions. Fire up Smith for upside and Hunt for stability in the RB2/Flex spot(s) of lineups.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Kareem Hunt carried nine time for forty yards and a touchdown, he also added a receiving touchdown on his only reception. The Chiefs ground game was very effective throughout the game, rushing for 148 yards on thirty carries.
Hunt scored the two touchdowns but Isiah Pacheco paced the backfield with twelve carries for fifty-eight yards. Brashard Smith continues to have a limited role, carrying just three times for eight yards.
The Chiefs could always add a running back at the deadline but Hunt and Pacheco are running well, both averaged over four yards a carry last night. Smith appears to be the odd man out currently but remains a solid handcuff in case Hunt or Pacheco suffers an injury.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
The Kansas City Chiefs have Isiah Pacheco at the top of their running back depth chart heading into their first preseason game. Meanwhile seventh round rookie Brashard Smith is listed fourth.
Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell are listed second and third, respectively, on the depth chart. Smith has been a bit of a fantasy darling but it’s not surprising to see the day three rookie listed behind the veterans at this time.
This is Pacheco’s job to lose, Hunt and Mitchell are simply depth pieces at this point of their careers and Smith is the high upside rookie, the most likely outcome is that they all see the field this season. However, Pacheco is the safe floor play selection for fantasy managers and Smith is the league winning late round dart throw.
Author: David Leonard (@RealDelcoDave)
Pacheco literally limped to the finish line of the 2024 season. He fractured his fibula in Week 2, then returning in Week 13. Pacheco rushed no more than 5 times in any of the Chiefs three playoff games. All in all, Pacheco didn’t pass the eye test upon his return.
Kareem Hunt looked like he had juice, while Pacheco looked like he was running on one leg. Hopefully the offseason helped get Pacheco back to his full form. The Chiefs re-signed Kareem Hunt, signed free agent Eli Mitchell, and drafted 7th round satellite back Brashard Smith. While none of those players are imposing, Pacheco needs to show he’s back in form before fantasy managers can entrust him to a starting lineup.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
