Is Isiah Pacheco playing vs Bills? Exploring Chiefs RB's availability for AFC Championship Game

On Jan. 26, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC Championship Game, looking to win the conference title for the third year running and booking their berth in the Super Bowl.

The home team is only two wins away from becoming the first team in NFL history to complete a hat trick of Super Bowl victories. However, Josh Allen and the Bills, who are 0-3 in the playoffs against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, are seeking revenge and an end to their over three-decade-long wait for the conference title.

Kansas City is aware that they'll have to be at their best to fend off Buffalo, who have already beaten them once this season. Fortunately for the Chiefs, they will have the option to use their entire playbook if necessary. Barring the players on the injured reserve, they are nearly at full strength, with even Isiah Pacheco returning to full fitness.

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Isiah Pacheco injury update: Will RB play vs. Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday?

The running back was limited to only seven games in the regular season after suffering a broken fibula in Week 2 and a rib injury in Week 17. The 25-year-old played in a limited capacity in the Chiefs' divisional-round win over the Houston Texans, carrying the ball only five times for 18 yards.

However, it was his first game back since his latest ailment, and Kansas City seemed keen on easing him back rather than feeding him the ball often and expecting him to make a difference in his first game since Christmas Day.

The Chiefs' cautious approach worked exactly as they had hoped. Pacheco's name wasn't on Kansas City's final injury report ahead of their game against the Bills on Sunday, suggesting he's fully healthy and will play a pivotal role in his team's quest to earn a third straight Super Bowl appearance.

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Isiah Pacheco stats: How has the RB fared this season?

The 2024 season was the most underwhelming of Isiah Pacheco's career. Not only was he limited to seven appearances, but he also didn't make a telling impact when he was on the field.

He carried the ball 83 times and rushed for only 310 yards and one touchdown, both career-low marks. His 3.7 yards per carry is the lowest he has managed in a season since entering the league.

Pacheco has been a non-factor on the Chiefs' offense. However, he'll look to make his mark in the AFC Championship Game.