Lions Move Isiah Pacheco to IR with MCL Sprain and Back Injury

The Detroit Lions placed 27-year-old running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve Tuesday due to an MCL sprain and a training camp back injury.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions officially placed running back Isiah Pacheco on the injured reserve list this Tuesday, ensuring the 27-year-old veteran will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 NFL season. Pacheco is currently sidelined by a dual diagnosis consisting of an MCL sprain and a back injury sustained during training camp. This roster move follows an offseason where Detroit signed the former Kansas City Chiefs ball carrier as a free agent to serve as a primary partner for star player Jahmyr Gibbs.

Head coach Dan Campbell had previously expressed optimism regarding Pacheco’s availability for Week 1, noting on Thursday that the runner was "feeling better as of yesterday." However, Campbell described the recovery process as "touch and go," ultimately leading the organization to sideline the two-time Super Bowl champion for the start of the campaign. The tenacious runner arrived in Detroit following a tenure in Kansas City that spanned four seasons, though his final year with the Chiefs was hampered by a broken fibula in his right leg suffered in 2024. That specific leg injury was noted for reducing some of the explosiveness that defined his early career.

Roster Shifts and Backfield Changes

The decision to move Pacheco to injured reserve reshapes a Detroit backfield that underwent significant changes during the recent offseason. The Lions facilitated Pacheco's arrival by trading veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. This move was intended to solidify a new rushing tandem, but the MCL and back issues have delayed the debut of the new-look offensive unit. Pacheco’s placement on the list means he cannot be activated for game action until a minimum of four weeks have passed, leaving the Lions to rely on depth behind Gibbs for the opening month of the schedule.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

Specifics regarding the back injury indicate it was a recent development occurring during the team's summer training sessions. While the MCL sprain adds a layer of complexity to his rehabilitation, the back issue was the primary focus of Campbell’s recent updates. The coach stated that the team was hoping the player was "coming out of this" just days before the Tuesday announcement. Despite the positive signs mentioned by the coaching staff last week, the medical staff determined that a stint on injured reserve was necessary for the veteran to get back on track.

Pacheco’s Professional Background

Before joining the Lions, Pacheco established himself as a physical runner during his four-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. His resume includes two Super Bowl titles, though his recent health history has been complicated by the 2024 fibula fracture. Detroit brought him in to provide a veteran presence in the locker room and a complementary style to the existing roster. The 27-year-old will now focus on recovery as the Lions prepare for their 2026 opener without one of their key free-agent acquisitions. The team announced the move officially on September 1, 2026, at 05:10 PM ET, marking a significant adjustment to the active roster just before the start of the regular season.