Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has focused on increasing his muscle mass during the 2025 offseason after a 2024 season marred by injury setbacks. The move is part of his effort to come back stronger following a fractured right fibula that limited his playing time and effectiveness last year. The Isiah Pacheco offseason muscle gain 2025 season strategy reflects his determination to regain the form that made him a standout early in his career.
Challenges Pacheco Faced During 2024 Injury-Plagued Season
Pacheco struggled to maintain and gain weight throughout the 2024 season, which affected his performance on the field. He missed nine consecutive games from Week 3 to Week 12 due to the right fibula fracture, and even after returning, his productivity was well below his usual standards. The physical demands of rehabbing and limited opportunity to train made it difficult for him to rebuild his strength during the season.
“You’re out there working your tail off and just sweating every day and not eating enough to get the weight back,”
Pacheco said, via Jesse Newell.
“There’s not going to be as much time to gain weight during the season, rather than the offseason and the whole program that they have here for us.”
—Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs running back
Pacheco’s Early Success Set High Expectations
When the Chiefs selected Pacheco in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, few expected him to become an immediate contributor. However, he quickly earned a starting role by Week 7 of his rookie season and demonstrated a physical style of running that impressed coaches and fans alike. At the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, Pacheco weighed 216 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.37 seconds, a benchmark he aims to reach again.
“Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style,”
Pacheco remarked about his weight and speed target for the offseason, according to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star (h/t NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack).
Performance Decline Following Injury and Recovery
After returning from his broken fibula late in the 2024 season, Pacheco was able to play in five games but managed only 175 rushing yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. His contributions declined further during the Chiefs’ playoff run, where he recorded just 37 yards on 13 carries. The team’s postseason ended with a Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, underscoring the challenges both Pacheco and Kansas City faced.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Strong Comeback in 2025
As Pacheco gets ready for the 2025 season, he is committed to returning to the physical condition he maintained as a rookie, focusing on strength and muscle gain in the offseason. This preparation aims to help him overcome the difficulties of the previous year and reclaim his role as a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense. His focus on muscle gain and conditioning reflects the team’s confidence in his ability to bounce back and make an impact moving forward.