Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to be placed on injured reserve after injuring his right ankle in the final minutes of Sunday’s win against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a source familiar with the injury who spoke to The Associated Press.
The source asked to remain anonymous on Monday because Pacheco was still undergoing further tests, and the team had not yet announced the results. Pacheco had X-rays on Sunday night and was scheduled for an MRI exam on his ankle.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid was expected to address Kansas City reporters later on Monday.
Pacheco was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium wearing a walking boot and using crutches shortly after Harrison Butker made a 51-yard field goal with no time left, securing a 26-25 victory over the Bengals.
Pacheco got hurt on the first play of that final drive when he collided with the offensive line and seemed to twist his ankle.
The Chiefs were already short on running backs as they had placed wide receiver Marquise Brown on injured reserve last week due to upcoming shoulder surgery. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the non-football illness list and must miss two more regular-season games before he can return.
The only active running backs remaining are undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who had seven carries for 24 yards but also lost a fumble on Sunday, and Samaje Perine, who joined the team on August 30 and played just nine snaps against the Bengals.
Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey are on the Chiefs’ practice squad.
Pacheco, who has been part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl-winning teams, ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in their season opener against Baltimore, and had 90 rushing yards and a score before leaving Sunday’s game.
