KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco says there’s a reason he’s been especially enthusiastic during the team’s first two training camp practices at Missouri Western this week.
“Right now, I’m backed up on a little bit of play. For me, I’ve got to let that energy out,” Pacheco said with a smile Thursday while adjusting his running-back gloves. “So that’s what I’m gonna do when I’m on the field.”
Pacheco wasn’t allowed to get his football fix this summer. That’s because, after last season, he had two surgeries: one for a broken bone in his hand and another to repair a torn labrum.
The injuries meant Pacheco couldn’t participate in the Chiefs’ organized team activities or mandatory minicamp this summer, with coach Andy Reid even expressing some doubt earlier this week that Pacheco would be ready physically for the start of training camp.
Pacheco seemed eager to make a statement about his availability this week. Not only has he taken part in two days of drills — and been vocal in his support for his offensive teammates on the sideline — but he also left little doubt when asked Thursday if he expected a full-go for the Chiefs’ regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Staidum.
“Absolutely,” Pacheco said.
Pacheco, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, was a revelation for the Chiefs down the stretch as he took over as the starter. He led the Chiefs in both regular-season rushing yards (830) and rushing touchdowns (five) while setting his aims even higher this season.
“For me, I want to run for 1,000 yards. That’s a goal obviously,” Pacheco said. “But it starts here today at practice, day by day.”
Pacheco hopes to improve this season by perfecting smaller details. He wants to take better notes in film sessions, and also has worked on his pass-catching skills following a 13-reception rookie season.
At this point, coaches and trainers are having to hold him back. Pacheco hasn’t been in during 7-on-7 drills, and he’s also worn a yellow “no contact” jersey to make clear to defenders he shouldn’t be hit.
So when will he be a full participant?
“Whenever Coach allows me to play and he says, ‘You’re good to go,’ ” Pacheco said, “that’s when I’m going to go out there and I’m gonna show.”
Pacheco played through both injuries toward the latter part of last season. He said the shoulder ailment “wasn’t a big problem” and revealed Thursday that he broke his hand during the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the Super Bowl, Pacheco rushed 15 times for 76 yards in the Chiefs’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We had two weeks to recover. I was good with the recovery that we did with the staff, and I was able to play,” Pacheco said. “They got me right.”
The setbacks don’t appear set to hinder Pacheco this season, either, as he stated Thursday that he’s “feeling great right now.”
“It’s a process. That takes time,” Pacheco said of his rehab. “For me ... just continue to listen to the staff and trust in myself.”
