Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has suffered a fractured fibula, according to reports.
The 25-year-old was injured in Sunday's 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
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It is a second crushing blow to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' bid to win a historic third consecutive Super Bowl.
Last week, offseason signing Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury to damage the wide receiver room.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Pacheco, who was pulled in the fourth quarter, left the stadium on crutches wearing a walking boot before initial tests revealed a fracture near his ankle.
"My understanding is he's gonna have more tests today to determine if there is associated damage to the ligaments, what needs to happen next and how long he is gonna be out," Rapoport told Good Morning Football.
"Generally those are four, six, maybe eight weeks.
"Don't be surprised if Isiah Pacheco is placed on Injured Reserve."
The Chiefs have been leaning on their run game so far this season.
Pacheco ran the ball 19 times for 90 yards against the Bengals, having managed 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground in the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Mahomes is a huge fan of the seventh-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft.
“That’s what makes this team so great, and it’s a great job by [GM] Brett Veach and coach [Andy] Reid of bringing in great players,” Mahomes said after a dominant performance against the New York Jets in 2023.
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“Even when I’m not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah who can dominate the run game.
“We have offensive linemen that can block the run game, defense that can play great defense, and so it’s not all on my shoulders to go out there and win the football game.
“Man, just give this man the football and let him go.
“He accepted the challenge, and that’s what makes this team great.
“It’s not just me, it’s everybody. I think we are all finally seeing that as the season goes along.”
Samaje Perine and Carson Steele are next on the depth chart for the Chiefs, who may decide to bring in a veteran from free agency.
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Undrafted rookie Steele made headlines in preseason thanks to his brilliant performances on the field.
It was also revealed that he has a pet alligator named Crocky-J.
But Steele averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and lost a fumble against the Bengals.
The Chiefs are in action on Sunday Night Football in Week 3, when they face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
