Isiah Pacheco Unlikely to Return from Leg Injury for Chiefs vs. Bills, Andy Reid Says

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is unlikely to return Sunday at the Buffalo Bills as he ramps up for a return after suffering a fractured fibula on Sept. 15.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid relayed the news to reporters Wednesday.

Pacheco, a third-year running back out of Rutgers, totaled 189 yards and a touchdown in two games before suffering the injury in a 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pacheco, a seventh-round draft pick, has been sensational in Kansas City, helping the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023. He's led the team in rushing each of the past two years and amassed a team-high 1,179 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.

The workhorse running back was continuing his strong production in year three before the injury but has been forced to miss the last two months.

However, Kansas City opened its practice window for Pacheco on Wednesday, and he now has three weeks to return to the active roster. Reid's comments imply that will happen, although it doesn't appear he'll be ready to go Sunday.

Pacheco's next possible date to return would be Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Carolina Panthers. If the Chiefs wait a little longer, then Pacheco would make his debut for the Black Friday game on Nov. 29 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

In the meantime, Kareem Hunt will continue to lead the backfield. He's No. 1 on Kansas City with 449 rushing yards, and his five touchdowns are tied for the team lead.

The 9-0 Chiefs will likely call on him often on Sunday at the 8-2 Bills in a game with massive AFC seeding implications. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET in Orchard Park, New York.