Question #2: Will Isiah Pacheco last the entire playoff run?
It is difficult to predict with certainty whether running back Isiah Pacheco will last the entire playoff run. He has been beaten and battered this season, and that is not accounting for his injury history. He now has multiple surgeries on his shoulder, having undergone a cleanup surgery last December. Head coach Andy Reid downplayed the procedure, saying Pacheco "had some things taken out that were floaters in there."
This was the same shoulder Pacheco injured last season and underwent surgery on after the Super Bowl. Add on a concussion he suffered against the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day, and the season has not been kind to Pacheco.
Despite his injuries and physical challenges, Pacheco has shown incredible resilience and determination throughout the season. He is having a career year, with 1,179 yards from scrimmage and 9 total touchdowns. Pacheco, when healthy, has been a steady presence in the Chiefs offensive attack. His ability to produce out of the backfield makes him even more important for the postseason run.
Health is always a concern for an NFL player after the regular season. NFL fans are seeing teams limping into the playoffs or missing it altogether due to important players being sidelined. Pacheco did not play against the Chargers, resting him for when the team needed him. I hope that Pacheco can play all he can, no matter the postseason run's length. Just as the opponents get better and better, the Chiefs need Pacheco more and more.