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Chiefs Win Big — But Isiah Pacheco’s Knee Injury Casts a Shadow Over Victory Against Commanders

Chiefs Win Big — But Isiah Pacheco’s Knee Injury Casts a Shadow Over Victory Against Commanders
Isiah Pacheco Sustained MCL Sprain in Chiefs Win Over ...


The Kansas City Chiefs walked away with a 28–7 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday — but the celebration didn’t last long. After a sloppy first half, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs found their rhythm to dominate late, only for star running back Isiah Pacheco to limp off the field in the fourth quarter with what’s now confirmed to be an MCL sprain.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media (via Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons), Pacheco’s injury is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis. The 25-year-old had been enjoying one of his best games of the season before going down, recording 58 rushing yards on 12 carries — a performance that underscored just how crucial he’s been to Kansas City’s offensive balance.

The injury, described as a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, came after a violent hit to Pacheco’s leg. It’s another frustrating setback for the third-year back, who already overcame a major offseason surgery to repair a fractured leg. Pacheco fought his way back to full speed, bringing energy and toughness that defined the Chiefs’ running game — until this new blow.

So what’s next for Kansas City? The Chiefs’ rushing attack, already thin behind Mahomes, will now lean heavily on Kareem Hunt and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Hunt, who turned back the clock with two touchdowns in the win, could shoulder more work — though head coach Andy Reid reportedly wants to manage his load carefully. Behind them, rookie Brashard Smith and depth back Elijah Mitchell might see increased snaps in coming weeks.

Reid, speaking postgame, said, “You hate to see that happen to a guy like Isiah — he’s worked so hard to be where he is. We’re hoping it’s nothing too serious and that we’ll get him back soon.” Several teammates echoed that sentiment, with Mahomes calling Pacheco “the heart and energy of our offense.”

Still, with the trade deadline approaching, whispers around the league suggest Kansas City could explore adding another back — and Alvin Kamara’s name from New Orleans has already surfaced as a possible fit. For now, the Chiefs’ victory feels bittersweet — a reminder that even in dominant wins, the NFL can turn on one bad step.

🔥 FROM JACKSONVILLE ICON TO IMMORTAL: Jimmy Smith Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Jacksonville, Florida – January , 2026 – Jimmy Smith’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary wide receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Jaguars fans have long awaited. For a franchise that was still building its identity, Smith’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who reshaped Jacksonville’s passing offense and became a symbol of consistency and excellence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith’s career was never about the spotlight — it was about impact. Drafted in 1995, Smith entered a Jaguars team that was on the rise, searching for its place in the NFL. What followed was one of the most productive and consistent careers in franchise history. Over his 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Smith became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (862), yards (12,287), and touchdowns (67), all while playing for a small-market team that was often overlooked. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Smith embodied the heart of Jacksonville’s offense during the Tom Coughlin era. He was a true game-changer — a reliable, versatile receiver who could do it all. Whether it was a quick slant or a deep route down the sideline, Smith had the ability to make plays that put the Jaguars’ offense on the map. He consistently delivered in clutch moments and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s and 2000s. “Jimmy was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “You knew if you needed a big play, Jimmy would come through.” Smith’s career was also marked by his perseverance and consistency. A 5-time Pro Bowler (1996-2000), he was consistently among the league’s best. In fact, during his prime, he ranked second in receptions and first in yards in the 1990s and 2000s, trailing only Marvin Harrison. His impact on the Jaguars’ passing game cannot be overstated — he helped define the team’s offensive identity during the franchise’s formative years. Although Smith was a nominee and semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his induction was long overdue. Playing in a small-market city like Jacksonville meant he wasn’t always in the national spotlight, but his on-field achievements and consistent production spoke for themselves. Smith was one of the most underrated wide receivers of his generation and a key part of Jacksonville’s early success. For Jacksonville, Smith’s induction carries profound significance. Before the team had its modern-day stars, Jimmy Smith was the face of the Jaguars’ offense. He represented hard work, dedication, and the ability to perform at the highest level, even when the world wasn’t always paying attention. As Jimmy Smith takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty, but he was one of the most respected, consistent, and feared wide receivers the game has ever seen. Jimmy Smith didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.