Isiah Pacheco Set to Power Kansas City Again: Chiefs’ Breakout RB Clears Knee Concern and Targets a Massive Week 12 Impact
Kansas City may finally be getting its offensive spark plug back. After missing the last two games with a mild knee injury, star running back Isiah Pacheco appears primed to return just in time for Week 12. The Chiefs have been cautious with their fiery RB1, but Wednesday’s practice offered the clearest sign yet that he’s ready to go: Pacheco was officially listed as a full participant, taking every rep like a player who hasn’t missed a beat.
Though he still appeared on the injury report, the designation seems more procedural than concerning. Sources inside the building described the session as energetic, physical, and—most importantly—pain-free for the third-year back. After two weeks of rest and maintenance, Pacheco looked like his usual explosive self, cutting sharply and showing zero hesitation on the injured knee.
Head coach Andy Reid offered an update with his trademark humor and optimism: “Pacheco looked fast-fast today. He took every rep, no hesitation, and unless a meteor hits the facility, he’s playing Sunday. The kid brings juice to everything we do. Trust me — you’ll notice when No. 10 is back out there.”
That’s huge news with the Chiefs preparing for their Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts—a reminder to fans not to confuse this week with last year’s Panthers meeting that’s been circulating on social media. The Chiefs need their downhill, punishing runner back in the lineup, especially as they push toward the playoff stretch and look to stabilize an offense that’s been inconsistent without him.
Internally, the Chiefs view Pacheco’s chances of playing as 90–95%, with staff calling the knee issue “minor,” not a long-term concern. Wednesday’s full workload confirmed that the injury is trending in the right direction and that Pacheco should be back to his usual violent running style—arms pumping, legs churning, driving through contact like the heartbeat of Kansas City’s ground game.
If something unexpected were to happen—always a possibility in the NFL—Kansas City would pivot to Kareem Hunt as the lead back, with Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell rotating behind him. But the team doesn’t expect to tap into that contingency plan this week. As one staffer put it: “They’ll see No. 10 out there.”
For now, all signs point to the Chiefs regaining their starting running back at the perfect time. After two weeks on the sideline, Isiah Pacheco looks ready, refreshed, and determined. Kansas City is confident. The locker room is buzzing. And unless the knee flares up again, the Chiefs’ offensive heartbeat is back—fully charged and ready to run.
