With the 2025 NFL season drawing closer, the Kansas City Chiefs have received an encouraging update that should excite fans and ease some pressure off Patrick Mahomes.
Running back Isiah Pacheco, one of the offense’s most physical and high-energy weapons, is back to full strength – and he’s made serious strides in his recovery. Pacheco was limited to just eight regular-season appearances in 2024 after suffering a fractured fibula.
The injury not only kept him off the field for a significant chunk of the campaign but also affected his overall conditioning and performance when he returned. Now healthy and determined, Pacheco is using the offseason to ensure he’s not only recovered, but better than ever.
Speaking to the media this week, the 24-year-old made it clear he’s aiming to leave 2024 behind. “My goal is to surpass and get better than I was last year,” Pacheco said, noting that his recovery phase had caused him to drop more weight than he wanted.
To hit the ground running in 2025, he’s focused on rebuilding his frame. “I wanted to gain weight,” he explained, outlining his plan to return to a more powerful and explosive version of himself.
Andy Reid says Pacheco is “tremendous” heading into training camp
That physical change hasn’t gone unnoticed by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who shared his thoughts on Pacheco‘s development during a recent press conference. Reid emphasized that the running back’s offseason conditioning has paid off and the results are obvious.
“He looks good,” Reid said. “Physically, he looks real good. He’s put on a couple pounds of good weight. He’d gotten himself down there a little bit last year and leaned up, but, man, I think he looks tremendous right now.”
Pacheco didn’t reveal his exact target playing weight for Week 1, but he referenced a familiar benchmark: “Just going back to 216 [pounds], 4.37 [second 40-yard-dash] Isiah Pacheco style.” That blend of speed and toughness has been his trademark since entering the league as a seventh-round draft steal in 2022.
Despite being under the radar early in his career, Pacheco quickly earned a key role in Kansas City’s backfield. Known for his no-nonsense running style and ability to break through contact, he played a crucial part in the Chiefs’ offensive identity during their Super Bowl-winning 2022 season.
His return to full form couldn’t come at a better time. As the Chiefs continue to evolve around Mahomes’ elite passing ability, a rejuvenated Pacheco adds critical balance. With defenses often dropping back to protect against deep throws, Pacheco’s ability to punish light boxes and extend drives will be central to Kansas City’s game plan.
Moreover, Pacheco‘s improved health and strength will allow the coaching staff to rely on him not just in the running game, but in pass protection and short-yardage situations – two areas that were impacted by his absence last year.
The Chiefs are eyeing another deep postseason run in 2025, and having Pacheco back to his full-speed, 216-pound self gives Mahomes another trusted weapon to keep opposing defenses honest.
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