Chiefs OC Matt Nagy thinks playing in preseason Week 3 won't hurt Isiah Pacheco
Preseason play is far more important than casual fans may think, especially if you play for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. It's crucial to know the playbook, get the bubble guys a chance to show what they can do, and get the starters warmed up for the season, even if that means taking […]
Preseason play is far more important than casual fans may think, especially if you play for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. It's crucial to know the playbook, get the bubble guys a chance to show what they can do, and get the starters warmed up for the season, even if that means taking the risk of getting hurt.
You play football knowing every day is a risk. But, sometimes, the best teams take those risks, and they work out. The Chiefs could do that this weekend for their third preseason game.
Chiefs could play Pacheco in preseason Week 3
Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs' starting running back, ended his 2022 season with an injury. He actually played through a few injuries in the Super Bowl, but knowing him, that wouldn't stop the guy from hoisting that Lombardi Trophy.
Coming into this season, we knew Pacheco was going to rehab. He has been wearing a gold jersey at practice almost every day, meaning he is a player that doesn't do contact. On Monday, he wore a red jersey for the first time in practice. Pacheco, a guy who loves contact, will be ready to get hit in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
There is a possibility he could be ready for some contact in a live game even before that.
"I think the guys would tell you; Pacheco would probably tell you; Yeah, it's important to get hit a few times," offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said on Tuesday. "There's always that you want to make sure that for him not being hit yet in practice per se and going in there for the first time, I think we've all seen him get hit pretty good. I think he can handle several hits. So, whatever the coach ends up doing, it doesn't affect him really either way for Week 1. But I always think it's good to get a couple of hits in early before you get to the season."
The Chiefs have a stacked running back room with Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince, and LaMichael Perine. So, do they need Pacheco in Week 3 of the
preseason? No. However, I'm sure they would like for the nearly 1,000-yard starter in 2022 to get in a bit of football shape.
Nothing can prepare a guy who hasn't played since February to get in football shape. But then again, Pacheco is built differently.
"No, for sure. I'm always ready. You gotta stay ready, so you don't gotta get ready, man," Pacheco told reporters. "For me, just waiting with my number, get called or not, and be prepared, though."
Pacheco brings the energy and fire to the offense. We may see some of that on Saturday.
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