Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game

For the Kansas City Chiefs, a struggling run game has been a persistent headache this season—one that’s left their offense unbalanced and overly reliant on Patrick Mahomes’ arm. Through 13 weeks, the Chiefs rank 24th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (92.6) and have scored just seven rushing touchdowns, a far cry from their 2022 campaign when they finished 12th in rushing and won the Super Bowl. But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon: the impending return of running back Isiah Pacheco, who’s been sidelined since Week 7 with a knee injury. Pacheco, the Chiefs’ leading rusher last season, isn’t just a backup—he’s a physical, downhill runner who can relieve pressure on Mahomes, open up the passing game, and revitalize a run game that’s been stuck in neutral. Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game explores why Pacheco’s comeback is so critical, how he fits into the Chiefs’ offense, and what it could mean for their playoff aspirations.

The Chiefs’ run game struggles have been impossible to ignore in Pacheco’s absence. Without their leading rusher, the team has rotated between Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and La’Mical Perine—all of whom have shown flashes but lack Pacheco’s consistency and physicality. McKinnon, a pass-catching specialist, has excelled in the screen game but struggles to break tackles in short-yardage situations. Edwards-Helaire, once a first-round pick, has been inconsistent, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and fumbling twice in the last five games. Perine, a midseason signing, has yet to record more than 20 rushing yards in a single game. The result? Defenses have been able to stack the box, daring Mahomes to beat them through the air. In the Chiefs’ Week 13 loss to the Cowboys, Dallas loaded eight defenders near the line of scrimmage on 40% of Kansas City’s offensive snaps, limiting the run game to just 78 yards and forcing Mahomes to throw 42 times (he was sacked three times and intercepted once). “We need a consistent threat in the run game to keep defenses honest,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “Right now, we don’t have that—and it’s showing.” Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game emphasizes that Pacheco isn’t just a replacement; he’s the missing piece that can make the Chiefs’ offense whole again.

What makes Pacheco’s return so impactful is his unique skill set—one that’s perfectly tailored to the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Pacheco is a physical runner who excels at breaking tackles (he led all NFL running backs with 38 broken tackles last season) and gaining yards after contact (4.2 per carry in 2022). He’s also a reliable pass-blocker, a trait that’s crucial for protecting Mahomes in long-down situations. Before his injury, Pacheco was on pace for another strong season: in six games, he rushed for 383 yards (4.7 per carry) and two touchdowns, including a 107-yard performance against the New York Jets in Week 4. What stood out most, however, was his ability to move the chains—he converted 7 of 12 third-down carries into first downs, a rate that’s far higher than the Chiefs’ current backups (McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire have combined for a 38% third-down conversion rate). “Pacheco is the kind of runner who doesn’t go down on first contact,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “He fights for every yard, and that’s exactly what we need right now.” His style of play also complements the Chiefs’ offensive line, which has struggled with consistency—Pacheco’s ability to create yards on his own can mask some of the line’s flaws. Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game highlights that Pacheco’s return isn’t just about adding a runner; it’s about adding a playmaker who can change the entire dynamic of the offense.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Pacheco’s return comes at a critical time—with just five games left in the regular season and a tight race for AFC playoff seeding. The Chiefs currently hold the No. 3 seed in the AFC but face a tough stretch of games, including matchups against the Buffalo Bills (Week 14), Cincinnati Bengals (Week 17), and Los Angeles Chargers (Week 18). A revitalized run game could be the difference between winning those close games and missing out on a first-round bye. The Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff has already hinted at how they’ll integrate Pacheco back into the offense: he’ll likely start immediately, splitting carries with McKinnon (who will remain the primary pass-catching back) and seeing 15-20 touches per game. Reid has also mentioned that the team will design more run-heavy packages around Pacheco, including power runs up the middle and outside sweeps to take advantage of his speed and strength. “We’re not going to ease him back in,” Reid said. “We need him to be a focal point of our offense, and he’s ready for that.” The Chiefs’ offensive line, which has had time to gel since Pacheco’s injury, could also benefit from his return—having a consistent runner can help the line establish rhythm and improve their blocking. Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game shows that the Chiefs’ timing couldn’t be better; Pacheco’s comeback gives them a chance to fix their run game just as the playoffs approach.

Pacheco’s return also has ripple effects on the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game, which has been under pressure in recent weeks. With defenses no longer able to focus solely on stopping Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the passing game could open up in ways it hasn’t all season. If Pacheco can consistently gain 4-5 yards per carry, defenses will have to pull a defender out of coverage to help stop the run—creating more space for Kelce, Kadarius Toney, and Rashee Rice to make plays downfield. Mahomes, who has been sacked 28 times this season (the most he’s been sacked since 2019), could also benefit from a stronger run game—more successful runs mean fewer passing attempts, less time for defenses to pressure him, and a lower risk of injury. “When we can run the ball effectively, everything else gets easier,” Mahomes said in a recent press conference. “Pacheco’s return will take a lot of pressure off me and the passing game. It’ll make us a more balanced offense, and that’s when we’re at our best.” The Kansas City Chiefs have already seen glimpses of this balance in past seasons: in 2022, when Pacheco rushed for over 1,000 yards, Mahomes threw 35 touchdown passes and was sacked just 26 times. Bringing that balance back could be the key to unlocking the Chiefs’ full offensive potential. Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game underscores that Pacheco’s impact goes far beyond the run game; he’s a catalyst for the entire offense.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs will be watching Pacheco’s workload closely in his first few games back, ensuring he doesn’t reaggravate his knee injury. But early reports from practice have been positive: Pacheco has participated in full-team drills, including contact drills, and has looked like his old self—breaking tackles and accelerating past linebackers. Teammates have also noticed a difference in the offense’s energy since Pacheco returned to practice. “Having Pacheco back is a game-changer,” said Kelce. “He brings a toughness and a swagger to our offense that we’ve been missing. When he’s in the backfield, everyone plays a little harder.” For Chiefs fans, Pacheco’s return is a reason to be optimistic—after weeks of watching a stagnant run game, they’ll finally get to see the offense play with the balance that made them Super Bowl champions. If Pacheco can stay healthy and regain his 2022 form, the Chiefs could once again become the most dangerous offense in the NFL. Isiah Pacheco's Return Could Spark the Kansas City Chiefs Run Game concludes that while the Chiefs still have work to do (fixing their offensive line, improving their run defense), Pacheco’s return is a major step in the right direction. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, a revitalized run game could be the missing piece that pushes them over the top—and Isiah Pacheco is the man to lead that charge.