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.

The Detroit Lions have signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

Pacheco will sign a one-year, $1.81 million contract with the Lions. He will join Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions’ running back room. 

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Earlier this offseason, the Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans to save cap space. Pacheco’s contract is a low-risk move for the Lions.

The Chiefs no longer had a need for Pacheco after signing reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. The Chiefs plan to use their remaining cap space to improve their secondary and pass rush. 

Pacheco rushed for 462 yards in 13 games. Veteran Kareem Hunt surpassed him in touches, although Pacheco had more starts. 

The 2021 Chiefs struggled to find consistency in the run game. Darrel Williams was the Chiefs’ leading rusher. Pacheco was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft to improve the Chiefs’ run game. He was a huge part of Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII championship seasons. 

However, injuries have prevented Pacheco from playing at that level in 2024 and 2025. The Chiefs once again look elsewhere to improve their running game. 

The Montgomery-Gibbs duo was known for being opposites. Montgomery was a power runner, while Gibbs was one of the fastest players in the NFL. Pacheco also plays in a power style, which could help make up for Montgomery’s loss. 

In Kansas City, Pacheco was in an offensive system under head coach Andy Reid that did not emphasize running. Reid-led teams historically have had some of the lowest rush rates in the NFL. Although Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t have a run-first system, the versatility of his system could help Pacheco get more consistent looks. 

Although Pacheco is a strong offensive addition, the Lions will need to improve their defense to make the playoffs in 2026.