Chiefs dealt serious body blow with Isiah Pacheco ankle injury

The Kansas City Chiefs took home one of those skin-of-their-teeth one-point victories that dynasties always seem to pile up in their most recent tussle with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. This duel ended with a 26-25 scoreline aided by some untimely Bengals penalties and preceded by some negated Patrick Mahomes interceptions.

The Chiefs needed to grind out some tough yards in this game, and running back Isiah Pacheco helped them do just that. However, as Chiefs Kingdom celebrated the win, Pacheco was recovering from a nasty-looking ankle ailment.

Pacheco was getting tests and x-rays performed on his ankle, according to head coach Andy Reid. Those words are enough to get fans' heartbeats per minute raised to concerning levels, and the follow-up from ESPN is equally concerning.

According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, Pacheco was interviewed on the field after the game. While Darlington did not initially believe Pacheco was dealing with anything serious based on his interaction with him, Pacheco has left the stadium in crutches and a walking boot. Monday's results loom large.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco being evaluated for ankle injury

Pacheco had an unusual, yet productive, day at the office. Despite not recording a gain longer than 13 yards from scrimmage, the Rutgers alum managed to tally 111 yards (90 rushing) and put up a respectable 4.7 yards per carry average.

Without Pacheco, the Chiefs can turn to undrafted free agent find Carson Steele to shoulder some of the load in case he's needed, but he is more of a plodding runner who lacks Pacheco's juice when going between the tackles. He's also an undrafted rookie. Samaje Perine is a well-traveled veteran who profiles as a third-down back.

Not only would the Chiefs lose their top rusher if Pacheco's injury is more serious than many believe, but they would also be bereft of a top passing target. As long as the Chiefs continue to operate as an offense predicated on getting the ball out as quickly as possible, Pacheco will be a valued member of the passing game.

With the Chiefs scheduled to take on the division-rival Chargers, red-hot Saints, and Super Bowl foe 49ers in the next few weeks, they will need all hands on deck to stay at the top of a competitive AFC. Pacheco missing any time would be a major stick in their bike wheel as they try to figure out their offensive struggles.