The Chiefs' arsenal of weapons has been riddled with injuries this season. Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco have all missed extended time this season. Despite the injuries, Kansas City has managed to make big plays and win tight games on their way to a 9-1 record.
Rice is out for the year and Brown is expected to be sidelined for a while longer, but Pacheco will make his return in the near future. His 21-day practice window was opened ahead of Week 11, so he'll have to be activated to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 13.
Pacheco doesn't have to return this week, but Chiefs' fans and fantasy managers would certainly like to see him back in action. Let's check in on the latest updates surrounding his Week 12 availability.
WEEK 12 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Will Isiah Pacheco play this week? Injury update on Chiefs' RB
As expected, Pacheco was able to take the practice field throughout the week. He was a limited participant during all three practice sessions. Typically, players coming off injured reserve log a full practice before returning to game action. Without a full practice under his belt, Pacheco has unsurprisingly been ruled out this week.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid said RB Isiah Pacheco will be out Sunday versus the Panthers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2024
Thankfully, the Chiefs have the Panthers on the schedule this week and should cruise to a win without Pacheco. Barring a setback, he should be back on the field in Week 13 against the Raiders.
Chiefs' RB Depth Chart: Who is Isiah Pacheco's Backup?
Without Pacheco in the lineup, Kareem Hunt has been operating as the No. 1 back in Kansas City. Although he's looked like a shell of his former self, Hunt has cracked 100 total yards in three of six starts and has done exactly what's been asked of him. He'll be the Chiefs' go-to back for one more week.
As always, Samaje Perine will be the preferred back in passing situations and will see a handful of snaps on third down and in the two-minute drill. Carson Steele will also come on the field to spell Hunt here and there and possibly get a few short-yardage carries.
WEEK 12 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE
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Isiah Pacheco fantasy outlook Week 12
Considering Pacheco has been out since Week 3, fantasy managers should already have a replacement on their roster already. If that replacement is Hunt, you should be thrilled about his Week 12 outlook. The Panthers rank dead last in fantasy points allowed to running backs and he comes in as our RB15 on the week.
If you're scrambling to fill your RB2 slot this week, be sure to check out the Sporting News' RB rankings and Week 12 sleepers. With these two resources in hand, fantasy managers should have no issue putting together a strong lineup this week.
