Three things to know about Kansas City Chiefs running backs Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt
As the Kansas City Chiefs get ready to face the Houston Texans in the NFL Divisional Round on Saturday, let’s take a closer look at the running back tandem of Kareem Hunter and Isiah Pacheco.
Together, the pair played a major role in helping the Chiefs (15-2) capture the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage.
Pacheco fractured his fibula against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second game of the season and missed the regular-season finale against Denver with injured ribs.
Pacheco played in seven games this season, finishing with 310 rushing yards and a touchdown.
In his absence, Hunt led the way with 728 yards with seven TDs.
Here’s a closer look at the Chiefs’ running backs — and three things to know about them:
1. In which round were Hunt, Pacheco drafted?
Hunt was a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Pacheco, on the other hand, was a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Each was drafted by the Chiefs.
Hunt led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2017 but was later released by KC in 2018 after an off-field incident in which he shoved and kicked a woman. He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019, where he’d play five seasons.
Hunt re-joined the Chiefs in September after Pacheco’s injury. He was a free agent at the time.
Pacheco’s start with KC played out slightly differently. He didn’t earn the starting role until October 2022 as he took over for starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Pacheco has been a significant pillar in KC’s offense ever since. He has 2,075 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first three seasons as a pro.
2. Pacheco and Hunt have played 5 games together
League-wide, the Chiefs rank No. 28 in rushing yards per carry (4.0) and No. 24 in rush-play percentage.
Kansas City averages 105.3 rushing yards per game, ranking No. 22. The Chiefs rank No. 16 in rushing touchdowns per game (.9).
Hunt and Pacheco occupy a complementary role in the Chiefs’ offense alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As such, KC will likely need them to find their footing in the playoffs.
When KC played the Texans on Dec. 21, Hunt had 55 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. But Pacheco struggled a bit, finishing with nine carries for 26 yards (2.9 yards per carry).
3. Pacheco is nursing a rib injury this week
Pacheco has dealt with a couple of injuries this season, so his health ahead of Saturday’s game has been something to watch.
According to multiple reports, Pacheco was able to practice each day this week. That’s a good sign.
His production has taken a bit of a hit since his rib injury. He’s had 49 carries for 175 yards in his past five games, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.
The Chiefs might attempt to throw him a few balls Saturday — he caught 12 passes for 79 yards this year. That’s down from 2023, when he had 44 catches for 244 yards and two TDs.
