The Kansas City Chiefs faced setbacks last season, with their offense falling short of expectations partly due to struggles at running back, an area directly tied to Isiah Pacheco’s performance. After enduring his most difficult season to date, Pacheco is preparing for a comeback in 2025 that many hope will restore his earlier impact for the Chiefs.
NFL Media’s Dan Parr identified Pacheco as a key player to watch among the Chiefs for the upcoming year, expressing optimism that the running back will regain his usual effectiveness.
Looking Back to Project Pacheco’s Potential Recovery
Dan Parr’s outlook on Pacheco stems from the strong impression the former seventh-round draft pick made early in his career. Known for his relentless running style, Pacheco’s energetic and physical approach won over football fans quickly. However, a fractured fibula suffered in Week 2 of last season significantly hindered his ability to perform at that level.
Parr underscored the hope that Pacheco will return to his “pre-injury form” after an offseason aimed at physical improvement. Parr noted,
“I want to see one of the NFL’s angriest runners get back to his pre-injury form,”
—Dan Parr, NFL Media Writer
“Pacheco made a habit of bulldozing through walls of defenders with aplomb in his first two years, but he suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 of last season, which kept him out of nine games. When he returned in late November, he just wasn’t the same guy and finished the season with an average of 3.7 yards per carry, a full yard below his mark through the first two seasons. He has bulked up this offseason in an effort to bounce back, with Andy Reid saying he ‘looks tremendous.’ Here’s hoping Pacheco can recapture his spark in a contract year. When he’s on, few running backs are a more enjoyable watch.”
—Dan Parr, NFL Media Writer
Examining Pacheco’s earlier seasons shows why this return is eagerly anticipated. As a rookie, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and had a success rate of 57.1% on rushing plays. His second year saw a slight dip to 4.6 yards per carry and 50.7% success, but he also emerged as a receiving threat. In 2023, Pacheco caught 44 passes for 244 yards and scored twice, demonstrating versatility beyond running the ball.
Before his injury in Week 2 last season, Pacheco looked like his typical explosive self, recording 19 carries for 90 yards and adding five receptions in that game.
Competition Within Chiefs Running Back Ranks Remains Intense
Assuming Pacheco recovers full health, the next challenge is navigating a running back group in Kansas City that lacks clear star power but offers considerable depth. Among his teammates, Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell are notable competitors who could affect Pacheco’s playing time.
Hunt, who chose to re-sign with the Chiefs, won’t likely reach his 200 carries from 2024 but is expected to contribute significantly, especially in short-yardage and receiving roles. The Chiefs had envisioned a strong one-two punch with Pacheco and Hunt in backfield duties when Pacheco returned late last season. Despite being 30 years old, Hunt remains a reliable, physical option for the team.
Mitchell offers potential upside but comes with uncertainty due to his limited playing time and injury history. The former sixth-round pick, who made his mark with the San Francisco 49ers by rushing for 963 yards and five touchdowns at age 23, has only played 16 games over the last three seasons. At 27 years old, he is aiming to revive his career, but expecting consistent production is risky, with any significant contribution regarded as a bonus.
The overall depth and question marks surrounding the Chiefs’ running backs signal that all players, including Pacheco, must prove their worth. His chance to reassert himself in this competitive group depends heavily on his health and ability to regain his form.
The Stakes for Isiah Pacheco and the Chiefs in 2025
Isiah Pacheco’s 2025 comeback is critical for both the player and the Kansas City Chiefs. After a challenging season marked by injury and reduced effectiveness, a resurgence would not only strengthen the Chiefs’ offense but also offer Pacheco a chance to solidify his role as a key contributor in a contract year. With endorsements from coach Andy Reid and encouragement from analysts like Dan Parr, there is cautious optimism that Pacheco can bounce back.
The Chiefs’ future running back strategy hinges on a balanced rotation, where Pacheco’s regained explosiveness would be invaluable. Should he recover fully, his ability to impact the game both as a runner and receiver could elevate Kansas City’s offense and provide a dynamic element the team has recently lacked.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Isiah Pacheco as a kid?
A. Pacheco, born to Puerto Rican parents, was raised with his two older siblings. His football talent was clear early on, leading to him being voted team captain as a freshman at Vineland High School. However, his life took a turn in January 2016 when his brother, Travoise Cannon, passed away.
Q. How did Isiah Pacheco lose his sister?
A. In his personal life, Pacheco has faced difficult times. His brother, Travoise Cannon, was killed in January 2016. Later, in September 2017, his sister, Celeste Cannon, was also murdered.