It appears as if Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco has avoided starting training camp on the active/PUP list.
When Chiefs rookies, QBs and select injured players hit the field for the first time for a practice session closed to the public on Wednesday, Pacheco was present and accounted for. Pacheco had surgery on his hand and his shoulder this offseason, which kept him out of workouts to this point. Andy Reid indicated that he’d get together with Pacheco and head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder to determine his readiness for training camp.
ESPN reporter Adam Teicher spotted Pacheco walking down the hill with his helmet in hand, which served as an indicator that he’d officially participate in practice in some capacity.
Isiah Pacheco is making his way to practiice field now, answering the question about whether or not he will begin camp on an injured list pic.twitter.com/lPLNbq4pDO
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) July 19, 2023
Once Pacheco went through the team stretch period, he put on a yellow scrimmage vest as observed by Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney. This type of vest is typically worn by quarterbacks and serves as a non-contact indicator. It seems that they’re still evaluating his readiness for contact, but they feel he’s able to participate in non-contact portions of practice.
Pacheco is wearing a yellow scrimmage vest, as if he is a QB. Do not touch. https://t.co/dR3sEIbzF5
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 19, 2023
Fox 4 Kansas City reporter Harold R. Kuntz captured his first handoff in practice, which seemed to go well. Pacheco sat out during the team’s 9-on-7, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 team periods.
Pacheco taking the handoff. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/6Ud3DzJWf8
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) July 19, 2023
We’ll see how Pacheco progresses through the remainder of training camp, but this is a good sign for the second-year running back. He’s on the road to recovery ahead of what is expected to be a big season for the former seventh-round draft pick.