Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy points out that "one thing that's been clear as these practices have unfolded is that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is usually the first back on the field with the starters." In past years, David Montgomery would often get the bulk of the first carries of the game before we'd see Gibbs. Pouncy cautions that it could be nothing to read into, but there was a clear pecking order that often translated to games. With Montgomery injured last year, Gibbs couldn't be stopped, totaling 487 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season. It's now Year 3 for Gibbs, and the Lions have been open about using more two-back sets with both Gibbs and Monty. In addition to being used out of the backfield, Gibbs has also lined up at receiver with Montgomery on the field. It looks like the Lions want Gibbs on the field as much as possible in 2025.