The Chiefs need to find balance with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Since losing standout running back and renowned energizer Isiah Pacheco to a broken right leg two months ago, the Kansas City Chiefs have been preparing for his return to the lineup.

“We’re going to try to hold him back because he’s a guy that wants to be out there and play as much as possible,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said.

“At the same time, he wants to win. He knows the long-term goal we have. Our goal is to get him back as quickly as possible, but at the best time for him and his body so that we can have him in the long term.”

Pacheco’s return is finally near and he will likely play in Friday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium (3 p.m. ET, Prime Video). Coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that Pacheco would play against the Raiders as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

Although the Chiefs would welcome his return, his role could be clouded by the presence of his replacement, Kareem Hunt, who was signed after Pacheco was placed on the injured reserve list. He quickly assumed the role of featured back and led the Chiefs in rushing with 577 yards.

The Chiefs will have an interesting decision to make regarding how to allocate playing time.

“They’re both good players, so we’ll find a way to get them both in,” coach Andy Reid said. “That’s a good problem to have.”

Reid’s history as a running back since joining the Chiefs in 2013 offers few clues as to his plans. When he had a back he was comfortable with in a starring role, he tended to let that player do the majority of the work. This list includes backs like Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Hunt, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Pacheco.

In 2022, Reid chose Pacheco, then a rookie, over Edwards-Helaire during the season. It was a clean substitution with Pacheco getting the most playing time.

It seems unlikely that the Chiefs would make a similar decision and use Pacheco as the main man while giving Hunt a much smaller role. Hunt was a key player during the 10-1 season.

So it could be that the Chiefs split playing time roughly 50:50.

“They both want the football, which is a great thing,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “They’re really good when they have the football.”

“They’re physical, they’re violent and Pacheco brings the Energizer Bunny mentality of excitement and fire. Combine that with Kareem and it’s a great one-two punch. So I think more than anything it’s just that.” “Refreshing to see him out there.”

Hunt was a clear No. 1 in 2017 and 2018 during his first stint with the Chiefs. But during his five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he often shared the backfield with Nick Chubb.

“It could be very similar,” Hunt said. “I’m excited.” I’m used to working with other great defenders, so I feel like it’s going to be another great one-two punch.

“I’m happy for (Pacheco) and I know he’s excited to get back and get out there.”

It might take some time for a real pattern of play to emerge. The Chiefs should be careful not to overload Pacheco so soon after his return. He has not played since being injured in a Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pacheco only returned to training two weeks ago.

“We’ll work him back in when he’s ready … and not try to overdo it,” Mahomes said. “He’s going to have energy, he’s going to want to be on the football field, but I think that’s good. “We have good room for running backs so we can’t force him to go out there and score 30 runs or whatever gain weight.

“We can just leave him as he is, make these big games happen and then take him with us as the season progresses.”