Who will be Chiefs RB after Isiah Pacheco’s unfortunate leg injury?
Chiefs are in search for the starting running back after Isiah Pacheco sustained a serious leg injury and is likely to be out for 6-8 weeks.
Who will be Chiefs RB after Isiah Pacheco (Via ESPN)
Isiah Pacheco is officially out of the season after sustaining a serious leg injury during Sunday’s game. Since the running back would have at least six to eight weeks to recover, the team has begun their search for a starter in that position.
Pacheco was a huge part of the Chiefs’ solid offense as he was the leading rusher in the last two seasons and was likely to log his first 1,000-yard season just after two games. Replacing him surely puts the Chiefs in a compromising position, especially when they are aiming for a historic three-peat.
Interestingly, the name that is making the headlines swiftly is the former Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt after they re-signed him officially. Hunt has joined the practice squad at the Chiefs and reportedly visited the team and practiced on Tuesday morning, as per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, it remains a big question if head coach Andy Reid has confidence in Hunt to contribute to their three-peat.
Additionally, Ried also has two other names competing for the starting position to join the first team heading into week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. He is viewing undrafted rookie Carson Steele and the newly acquired veteran Samaje Perine.
I would tell you I have confidence in them. I just haven't experienced it with them.Andy Reid said reflecting on his confused state of mind
Meanwhile, General Manager Brett Veach also has got his eyes hooked on the list of potential players capable of filling Pacheco’s void in the team.
Carson Steele emerges as top candidate to replace injured Isiah Pacheco
Steele, who replaced Pacheco after his injury on Sunday, is the candidate with the highest possibility of taking over the position. At present, he is the running back no. 2 but his potential was reflected against the Cincinnati Bengals when he showed himself to be an effective short-yardage runner for the Chiefs which is a bonus for them.
Since being a rookie, Steele’s performance wasn’t exceptional, but it was certainly beyond the team’s expectations. He logged nine carries for 27 yards after getting the field time on Sunday.
He's going to have to step it up there and in that role. But I think he likes to be challenged, and I think this will be a good challenge for him.Andy Reid said about Carson Steele
With names like Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the team, Steele’s future was quite uncertain. But after he got his necessary yardage each of the four times the ball was passed to him, he certainly impressed the team and ended up in the running for the starting position until Pacheco returns.
Pratyusha Srivastava
(1600 Articles Published)