A seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Isiah Pacheco has made a noticeable impact with the Kansas City Chiefs, amassing 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over four seasons. His standout year was 2023, where he rushed for 935 yards and scored seven touchdowns on 205 attempts. However, injuries have hindered his performance in recent seasons, resulting in him missing 14 games. In 2025, he managed 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown, reflecting a decline in his explosive plays.
When Pacheco is fully fit, he brings a fierce energy to the field. He runs with aggressive determination, which made him a valuable asset in Coach Andy Reid’s offense. But the question remains: Does he still have that burst left after experiencing a drop in performance?
If he can regain his health, Pacheco could complement Detroit’s star running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, by adding a tough, physical style. Detroit might need him to fill some of the roles left by the departed David Montgomery, especially on third downs and goal-line situations. Over the past two seasons, Pacheco has struggled in critical short-yardage moments, carrying the ball just nine times for 15 yards and one touchdown on third and fourth downs. His statistics show a concerning -8 rushing yards compared to expected in those situations. In the 2025 season, he didn’t have any goal-line carries, and in 2024, he managed just three attempts for one yard and a touchdown.
Pacheco embodies the gritty mentality that Lions’ coach Dan Campbell values. Bringing him on board suggests that the team intends to increase Gibbs’ workload even more while adding depth to their running game.
Recent trends show that teams are increasingly focusing on a two-back system to keep their runners fresh and effective. According to a survey by the NFL Players Association, players are advocating for better health management and a reduction in the number of carries to prolong their careers. This indicates a shift in how teams view running backs’ roles, emphasizing the importance of having reliable backups like Pacheco.
With Pacheco on the roster, the Lions could effectively enhance their running game, making them a more formidable opponent this season. This strategy may also reflect a broader trend across the league, where teams are seeking to balance depth and versatility in their rosters.
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