By Nate Taylor, Dianna Russini, and Larry Holder
The Kansas City Chiefs will play without running back Isiah Pacheco for the foreseeable future after he fractured his foot during the team's dramatic Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, team sources confirmed Monday. Pacheco is expected to suffer an injury that will keep him out of the field for at least the next four games.
On Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he had no timeline for Pacheco's return, though multiple reports say Pacheco will be out at least six weeks.
“It's going to take some time,” Reed said.
Pacheco played nearly the entire game, with his last carry coming on the first play after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter that led to the game-winning field goal for the Chiefs. He left Arrowhead Stadium on crutches with his right leg covered by a protective boot.
Kansas City's depth at the running back position has been a concern since the start of their training camp. This is the first major injury of Pacheco's career, so the Chiefs will likely have to rely on new fullback Carson Steele and seven-year veteran Samaje Perine, who joined the team just two weeks ago.
Four-year veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire will miss at least the next two games after Kansas City placed him on the non-football illness list before its season opener. Edwards-Helaire missed a large portion of camp and the preseason with what the team has described as an illness.
During the camp, Edwards-Helaire shared her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder. She has also been diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome, a chronic condition in which people may experience cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion that can last from a few hours to a few days.
“We'll go with the players we have right now,” Reid said.
Reid also reported that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is considering adding another running back to the roster. If the Chiefs are looking to sign a veteran, one option is Jerick McKinnon, who has been a key offensive player as a third-down back the past two seasons.
Pacheco had 90 rushing yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards before exiting the game due to injury. This season, he has 135 rushing yards on 34 carries and a touchdown, along with seven receptions for 54 yards.
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(Photo: Kevin Sabitas/Getty Images)