It’s been a season of injuries for the NFL, and no team’s borne the brunt as heavily as the Chiefs. They’ve had 4 injuries to their wide receivers, out of whom Rashee Rice is straight up out for the season. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Amid their recent transfers to plug in the gaps, the Chiefs have some good news in terms of recoveries.

Just earlier this week, coach Andy Reid had said running back Isiah pacheco wasn’t even expected back at practice for another couple weeks. But we’ve had good news on that front, with NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reporting that we might see Pacheco back on the field by as early as late November. With the Chiefs already on a winning roll, they’ll welcome the running back home with open arms.

Pacheco had fractured his right fibula during the tight Week 2 game against the Bengals, landing him on Injured Reserve. Early timelines on his recovery placed him at a 6-8 week return, and late November would be at the tail end of that. A leg injury’s particularly brutal on a running back, and it’s important to balance his utility on the field with his long term viability as a player. This is only his 3rd season in the NFL, and he had a stellar 2023. Given time, he could grow into a franchise staple, assuming his recovery stays on track.

In Pacheco’s absence, the Chiefs have been playing veteran running backs Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine. They also have the option of 25-year-old Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though he hasn’t really clicked since his explosive 2020, and hasn’t played this year at all. Edwards-Helaire was out for part of the season due to PTSD related complications from a college incident. But it’s unclear if he’ll be called up, given Kareem Hunt’s killing it. In 4 games, Kareem Hunt has scored 4 touchdowns and run 308 yards already. The Chiefs offense is really coming together again.

Will Pacheco’s return make the “3peat” more likely?

Let’s be honest with ourselves at this point. Halfway into the season, no one team has been as convincingly in-it-to-win-it as the Kansas City Chiefs. They made their intentions clear even before the season started, and it’s obvious they meant it. Isiah Pacheco must have factored into these plans, he’s done well for them for the last two years. Perhaps his injury contributed to the Chiefs’ offensive slump at the start of the season. That alongside Kelce’s failure to fire and Patrick Mahomes’ self-admittedly lackluster offensive plays.

But that’s all turned around now. Kelce’s clicked in the most recent Raiders game, Mahomes is throwing better than ever, and Pacheco’s on his way back. It’s all coming together going into Week 9. The Chiefs unbeaten streak might just last a little longer, they’re up against the Bucs next. But then come the Broncos and the Bills, who’ve been tough competitors this season. We’ll just have to see how those match-ups go, but the Chiefs look set to at least earn a playoffs berth. Fingers crossed for Pacheco’s recovery.