Here’s a sign of progress for recuperating Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco
For the first time this preseason, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco practiced without a non-contact yellow jersey and could see action in Saturday’s preseason game.
“There’s a chance, yeah,” Kansas City coach Andy Reid said. “He’s got to be cleared.”
Pacheco’s been wearing the yellow jersey as he recovers from two offseason surgeries: one for a broken hand and another for a torn labrum in his shoulder. He had been running drills at training camp but wasn’t getting hit.
A seventh-round 2022 NFL Draft pick from Rutgers, Pacheco became the Chiefs’ starter in Week 7 and finished as the their leading rusher, with 830 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 130 yards.
He was even better in the postseason, averaging 5.3 yards per carry in three games. He led the Chiefs with 76 rushing yards in their Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and added a touchdown.
With Pacheco out, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs’ former first-round draft pick, has gotten to the bulk of the first-team carries. And veteran Jerick McKinnon is set to return for his third season with the Chiefs.
Behind them, the preseason game snaps have gone to La’Mical Perine, Deneric Prince and Jerrion Ealy.
The Chiefs’ final preseason game, against the Cleveland Browns, is Saturday at noon at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
In other injury news Monday, Reid said defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton’s has encountered a setback — some swelling — in his recovery from a knee injury.