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4 Running Backs Who Need Immediate Help After Isiah Pacheco Injury
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4 Running Backs Who Need Immediate Help After Isiah Pacheco Injury

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a few unfortunate visits from the injury bug in recent weeks. After opening the season with the news that speedy veteran wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown would miss the regular season with a shoulder injury, running back Isiah Pacheco will also miss a significant chunk of time.

Pacheco is believed to have suffered a fractured fibula in the Chiefs’ narrow win over the rival Cincinnati Bengals. While he will continue to be tested, the Chiefs appear to be bracing for the seventh-round pick to miss a handful of games. He would miss at least four if placed on the injured list.

The Chiefs passing game hasn’t been nearly as effective as many had hoped in recent weeks, putting even more emphasis on Pacheco. Can the Chiefs adapt?

The Chiefs could look to the free agent market for replacements, but Andy Reid has often had success internally promoting a replacement. One of these four players could be called upon to fill in at No. 10 until he’s fully healthy as the schedule gets underway.

While the Chiefs haven’t really considered bringing back McKinnon despite his contributions to championship teams in the past, no free agent on the thin market has his comfort and familiarity in Reid’s offense. He’s a long shot, but he makes the most sense if the Chiefs turn to the open market.

Perine could join cousin Samaje in the Kansas City backfield. While the former Jets draft pick hasn’t caught on due to a lack of stellar open-field speed, he could be a better option when it comes to grinding out yards. Perine, who has swum through the league, has averaged 3.6 yards per carry in the pros.

If anyone ever needed a boost from the Patrick Mahomes aura, it’s Ingram. After struggling to just 2.2 yards per carry in limited playing time with the Cardinals, Ingram will look to bring his workhorse style of running back to Kansas City. The Chiefs seem to have a thing for getting the most out of plodding, one-cut backs. He’s also already on the practice squad.

Bailey, also on the Chiefs’ practice squad, is a small back at 5-7, but he had some real electricity to his game at TCU. Bailey rushed for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns during his final season with the Horned Frogs. While his timed 40-yard dash speed was average (4.58), he plays at a much faster pace. Of all the options presented, Bailey has the highest ceiling.