Why is Isiah Pacheco not playing today? Chiefs RB's absence for Week 3 SNF game explained

Isiah Pacheco is dealing with a fibula injury ahead of the third game of the 2024 season. The two-time Super Bowl champion suffered the injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pacheco left the stadium in a walking boot after suffering a lower leg injury.

Ahead of his team's game against the Atlanta Falcons, let's examine the reason behind Pacheco's absence from his side's Week 3 game.

Why is Isiah Pacheco not playing today?

According to CBS Sports, Isiah Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve. Pacheco is fresh off fibula surgery, so the dynamic runner will be unavailable to be selected for the next four regular season games.

Furthermore, ESPN speculates that Pacheco will need six to eight games to fully recover from the injury. As for Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid, here's what the perennial Super Bowl champion had to say:

"I can't give you a time when he'll return. We'll just see if it's this season or next season."

Andy Reid's words likely sent shockwaves through the fan base. Pacheco is one of the most important players in the Chiefs' modern dynasty, and his extended absence might be detrimental to the team's bid for a third straight championship.

What next for Isiah Pacheco and the Kansas City Chiefs?

Running backs are some of the most at-risk players in the National Football League. Every year, an array of high-profile running backs get hurt, missing significant time for the season and effectively ending their side's playoff hopes.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs and Pacheco will need to play the waiting game when it comes to recovery. Pacheco will not be playing any regular season in the foreseeable future, and his backups will be tasked with stepping up in his absence.

2024 NFL draft undrafted free agent Carson Steele is the player up next on the depth chart. Steele had a successful college football career with Ball State and UCLA, and Andy Reid clearly sees something special in his skill set.

Samaje Perine and Keaontay Ingram are the other running backs set to see an increase in snaps pending Pacheco's return from fibula surgery (Clyde Edwards-Helaire is out in Week 3).