Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco clears NFL concussion protocol ahead of Week 17 game

The biggest question ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals has now been answered.  According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco has officially cleared the league's concussion protocol. Pacheco suffered the concussion in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders after losing his helmet and colliding […]

Charles Goldman NFL Managing Editor
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The biggest question ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals has now been answered. 

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco has officially cleared the league's concussion protocol. Pacheco suffered the concussion in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders after losing his helmet and colliding with teammate Creed Humphrey on a play in the second half. 

As of Friday, Pacheco was still in the NFL's return-to-play protocol and was listed as questionable. He has now been cleared to return and play against the Bengals on Sunday.

Pacheco has been the motor for a Chiefs offense this season that hasn't been as reliant on explosive plays in the passing game. His ground-and-pound style has paved the way for many third-and-manageable situations on offense. 

During the 2023 NFL season, Pacheco has 187 carries for 805 yards and seven touchdowns. He needs 195 rushing yards in the next two games to become the team's first 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt in 2017. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still listed as questionable with an illness, which could pave the way for La'Mical Perine to get touches, and for Keaontay Ingram to be made game-day active following his practice squad elevation.