The Chiefs just scrapped out a victory against the Bengals at Arrowhead. A Harris Butker‘s FG made it 26-25. But on the way, they got a big blow with Isiah Pacheco‘s ankle injury. The running back hobbled his way out of the gridiron after taking multiple hits and did not return to finish off the game. And now the recent updates do not portray a better picture either.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport just made Kansas’ morning worse with the update on Pacheco’s injury. He wrote on his X: “#Chiefs star RB Isiah Pacheco, who left the stadium in a walking boot and crutches, fractured his fibula based on initial tests, sources say.” So, this means, Pacheco is likely heading to injured reserve.

Currently, he is staring down at least a four-week timeout due to his fibula injury, according to Adam Schefter. “Isiah will miss a minimum of four weeks and quite possibly longer.” He’s still undergoing tests, so no firm timeline yet—just a lot of crossed fingers in Kansas City.

Well, if you’re wondering, fibula fractures can sideline players for a while. Surgery or no surgery will determine his true RTP (Return to Play). For reference, Jaylen Waddle bounced back in 11 weeks, though he wasn’t 100%. So, Chiefdom, how long can KC hold the line without their explosive RB? At least Andy Reid is not the one taking it lightly by any means.

Andy Reid will look for replacements after ‘major’ Isiah Pacheco setback

Let’s rewind to how Pacheco found himself in this tough spot. Patrick Mahomes was in crunch mode, needing to march the Chiefs into field-goal range. KC turned to Pacheco on two of the first three plays, hoping for a spark. After a solid six-yard gain on the first carry, Pacheco was stuffed for one yard on the next, and that’s when things went south. Gang-tackled by three Bengals defenders, Pacheco twisted awkwardly and didn’t return for the game’s final two minutes.

At the two-minute warning, Pacheco was pulled from the game, leaving fans nervous. Yet, there was a brief glimmer of hope when the cameras caught him on his feet, celebrating with the team after Harrison Butker’s clutch 51-yard game-winner. But for those watching closely, the sight of Pacheco hobbling off was hard to ignore.

The injury could not have come at a worse time. Pacheco was once again lighting up the field. His numbers before going out? 90 yards over 19 attempts, adding 21 receiving yards on five catches. So, you couldn’t imagine why Andy Reid couldn’t mask his post-game concern. “The only major injury would be Isiah Pacheco,” Reid said. While the coach played coy on specifics of the injury, since he also did not know much at the time, it’s indeed a huge mountain to climb now.

With the go-to running back sidelined longer than expected, Reid has some decisions to make. Will it be Perine, the eight-year vet with reliable hands, or Steele, a sleeper pick who’s shown flashes on the ground? Chiefs Kingdom, stay tuned—this backfield shuffle could get interesting really fast. Until then, keep one eye peeped on Pacheco’s updates. You never know what the future holds.