After Isiah Pacheco Is Placed On Injured Reserve, How Will The Lions Fill The Hole?

The Detroit Lions placed running back Isiah Pacheco on the injured reserve on Tuesday, dealing with multiple lingering issues.

Pacheco, who had been dealing with an MCL sprain, has also been dealing with a back injury he picked up in training camp. The severity of the injuries is not fully known, but he is not eligible to return until week 5.

The Lions have filled his spot with tight end Tyler Conklin and have also signed Dominic Lovett to their practice squad.

This is Pacheco’s first year with the Lions, who has played his entire career for the Kansas City Chiefs. Last year he had 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdown in 13 games.

Detroit signed Pacheco from free agency this offseason to back up star RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who had an outstanding 1,223 yards last season to pair with 13 touchdowns.

Pacheco replaces David Montgomery, who played three seasons with the Lions and was traded after it was reported that he expressed frustration that he had to take a back seat to Gibbs.

This shouldn’t be an issue for Pacheco, who split the duties all season last year with Kareem Hunt.

The Lions open up their season against the Saints, and Pacheco will be available to return against the Cardinals in Arizona in Week 5.