The Chiefs started RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the preseason opener against the Bears. We all expected that. But rookie RB Isiah Pacheco was notably the next guy in. Pacheco got snaps in the red zone on K.C.'s opening offensive possession, including a reception. It's just 1 drive of 1 game (which is still going as of this writing), but it's another signal that we should take Pacheco's rise seriously.

Update: Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke had the 1st-drive snap counts at CEH 7, Pacheco 3, Jerick McKinnon 1. Ronald Jones didn't see the field until 2 possessions after Patrick Mahomes and other starters had left.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is recovering from offseason surgeries on his hand and labrum, HC Andy Reid said. According to Rutgers Wire, Pacheco played "much of the season" with a torn labrum and then broke a bone between his wrist and thumb in the AFC Championship Game. "He's making progress," Reid said. "We'll just see how he does with it. I can't even give you a timeline on it, but he's doing well." Pacheco emerged as Kansas City's lead back over the second half of last season, averaging 13.6 carries over the final 12 games (including playoffs). He ceded most of the passing-down work to RB Jerick McKinnon, who just re-signed with the Chiefs last week. We'll likely see a similar arrangement this season, assuming Pacheco is back to 100% by Week 1. We'll keep an eye on his recovery.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco ran for 31 yards and a TD on just 9 carries in Sunday's narrow win over the Broncos. Kansas City totaled just 16 rushing attempts, with Pacheco accounting for 75% of the RB attempts. He added 2 catches for 18 yards on 2 targets. We'll see about K.C.'s playoff scenarios for a Week 18 visit to the Raiders.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco ran for 66 yards and a TD on 14 carries in Sunday's loss to the Bengals, adding 16 yards on 2 receptions. RB Jerick McKinnon carried 8 times for 51 yards and caught a 2-yard TD among 2 receptions for 9 yards. Kansas City leaned more on the run, handing to RBs 22 times vs. just 27 Patrick Mahomes pass attempts. Week 14 holds a Denver defense that has been a worse RB-scoring matchup than Cincinnati. But after that comes better matchups with Houston and Seattle.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco racked up 22 carries in Sunday's win over the Rams but managed just 69 yards (3.1 per rush). He saved his fantasy line with a 3-yard TD in the 3rd quarter, his 2nd score of the year. Ronald Jones claimed the only 4 other RB carries for the game and caught his only target, matching Pacheco on that front. RB Jerick McKinnon drew 6 targets -- tying for 2nd on the team -- and caught 3 balls for 26 yards. Pacheco has now seen 15+ carries in 3 straight games.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco racked up 107 yards on 15 carries in Sunday night's win over the Chargers. It marked the rookie's 2nd straight game with at least 15 carries and 80+ yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire appeared headed for a larger role than in Week 10 before an ankle injury sidelined him. RB Jerick McKinnon led the backfield in snaps but saw most of that work in the passing game. Pacheco and the Chiefs get worse rushing matchups over the next 3 games. An enticing date with the Texans awaits in Week 15, though.