The Kansas City Chiefs improved their record to 2-0 heading into the 2024 NFL season with a hard-fought 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Unfortunately, the victory did not come without heartbreak, as Chiefs No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a lower-body injury on the game’s final drive, forcing him to leave Arrowhead Stadium in a walking boot.

Reportedly nursing a broken fibula, it’s clear the Chiefs will be without Pacheco for a while. While Kansas City fans are now wondering who will take over as RB1 until Pacheco returns, head coach Andy Reid has revealed who his top choice is to lead the backfield.

On Monday, Reid was asked about the possibility of fullback Carson Steele replacing Pacheco in the backfield. According to ESPN’s Adam Teicher, the 60-year-old HC told reporters that Steele “is going to have to commit” if he wants to lead Kansas City’s RB room.

It’s clear that Reid wants an undrafted rookie to prove he deserves more of a shot. While Steele was impressive during the preseason with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, his regular season production hasn’t come close to matching that output. He’s converted just nine carries into 27 rushing yards while being limited to 19 offensive snaps.

Between the lines, Reid will likely use one of the Chiefs’ veteran rushers as his starting option in Week 3. Recent free agent signing Samaje Perine has some experience as a lead back, having started 12 of his 95 career games, while veteran RB Keaontay Ingram started one of his eight appearances with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.

That’s without mentioning that undrafted rookie RB Emani Bailey is also expected to stick with Steele for playing time. Clyde Edwards-Helaire would likely be the team’s preferred option at RB1 given his familiarity with Reid, but he has been on the injured list since the start of the season with mental health issues.

That said, general manager Brett Veach could always be tempted to explore the free agent market if none of the Chiefs’ internal backfield options pan out.

Meanwhile, Kansas City will look to continue with what it has as a Week 3 showdown with the Atlanta Falcons looms. Bookmakers are confident in the Chiefs’ chances of improving to 3-0, as FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists them as a 4.5-point favorite over the Falcons on the road.

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