The Kansas City Chiefs secured a thrilling victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, moving to 2-0 this season, but the win came with unfortunate news. Starting running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula.

The injury occurred when Pacheco twisted awkwardly while being tackled during a short run late in the game. He was seen leaving the field on crutches and wearing a walking boot.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pacheco is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to the injury. This timeline means he will not return until at least Kansas City’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, scheduled for November 4. As a result, the team will need to establish a solid running back rotation to support Patrick Mahomes in the meantime.

Additionally, the Chiefs are already without backup Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was placed on the non-football injury/illness list prior to the season and is set to miss at least through Week 4. This leaves the Chiefs with only two healthy running backs on their 53-man roster, neither of whom has started as a three-down back in the NFL yet.

This situation prompted the Chiefs to sign veteran running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad on Tuesday, as they needed to bolster their diminishing backfield.

Chiefs RB depth chart following Isiah Pacheco’s injury

The Chiefs currently have just two healthy running backs on their 53-man roster after Pacheco’s injury. They are:

• Samaje Perine
• Carson Steele

Perine, an eight-year veteran, was signed by the Chiefs after being released by the Denver Broncos before the season. He has become a reliable third-down back, meaning he is likely to be heavily utilized in passing scenarios and as a versatile option in the backfield.

However, Steele might find himself ahead of Perine on the depth chart as a traditional between-the-tackles runner. The undrafted rookie has carried the ball nine times for 27 yards in the first two games, while Perine has only recorded two receptions for 13 yards. This might suggest that Andy Reid is planning to use Steele on early downs and Perine mainly in passing situations.

Regardless, these two are expected to carry the majority of the load for Kansas City, although the team will still require a third back for game day responsibilities.

Kansas City may have a few options for that third running back role on their practice squad. They could elevate Keaontay Ingram — a sixth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, who has amassed 134 yards and a touchdown on 62 career carries — or Emani Bailey, an undrafted free agent from TCU, as a potential third-string behind Perine and Steele.

Moreover, they might choose to promote Hunt, who was recently signed to the practice squad. His game day readiness will depend on whether the Chiefs think he needs some practice time to reacquaint himself with the team’s offense.

Chiefs sign Kareem Hunt to practice squad, reports indicate

While Hunt’s stats of 411 yards on 135 carries in the 2023 season may not be remarkable, he did manage to score nine rushing touchdowns with the Browns. This could position him as a potential goal-line option for Kansas City.