The Kansas City Chiefs have received a few unlucky visits from the injury bug in the last few weeks. After beginning the season with the news that speedy veteran wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown would miss the regular season due to his shoulder injury, running back Isiah Pacheco will also miss a good chunk of time.
Pacheco is believed to have suffered a fractured fibula in the Chiefs' narrow win against the rival Cincinnati Bengals. While he will undergo further testing, the Chiefs seem to be bracing for the seventh-round gem to miss a handful of games. He would sit out at least four if he is placed on injured reserve.
The Chiefs' passing game hasn't been nearly as effective as many had hoped it would be in the last few weeks, which places an even greater emphasis on Pacheco. Will the Chiefs be able to adapt?
The Chiefs could look to the free agent market for replacements, but Andy Reid has often found success promoting a replacement internally. Any one of these four players could be called upon to fill in for No. 10 until he is nursed back to full health as the schedule ramps up.
Jerick McKinnon
While the Chiefs didn't truly consider bringing McKinnon back despite his contributions to championship teams in the past, no free agent on the thin market has his level of 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.
La'Mical Perine
Perine could join cousin Samaje in the Kansas City backfield. While the former Jets draft pick hasn't been able to latch on due to a lack of great open-field speed, he might be a better option when it comes to grinding out yards. Perine, who has bounced around the league, has averaged 3.6 yards per carry in the pros.
Keaontay Ingram
If anyone ever needed a boost from the aura of Patrick Mahomes, it's Ingram. After struggling to the tune of just 2.2 yards per carry in limited playing time with the Cardinals, Ingram will try to bring his workhorse style of running 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.
Emani Bailey
Bailey, also on the Chiefs' practice squad, is a tiny back at 5-7, but he had some genuine electricity to his game at TCU. Bailey ran 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 much faster. Of all the options presented, Bailey has the highest ceiling.