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Detroit, MI. What was expected to be a quiet depth addition for the Detroit Lions has suddenly turned into an uncertain situation after medical concerns emerged surrounding veteran running back Isiah Pacheco.
Pacheco, a former Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, had recently agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.81 million with Detroit. The plan was for the veteran back to provide experience and depth behind star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
However, league sources indicate the agreement has temporarily stalled after Pacheco did not pass his team physical, forcing the Lions to review his medical status before finalizing the deal.
The concern reportedly stems from Pacheco’s extensive injury history over the past several seasons, which has included multiple serious setbacks.
During the 2025 season, Pacheco suffered an MCL injury in his right knee, forcing him to miss four games. A year earlier in 2024, he endured the most serious injury of his career when he fractured his right fibula, requiring surgery and keeping him sidelined for nine games. Later that same season, he also battled a rib injury.
Even during Kansas City’s championship years, injuries were part of the story. In 2023, Pacheco underwent shoulder cleanup surgery, missed time with a concussion, and played through a painful turf toe injury during the playoffs.
His rookie season in 2022 also ended with significant medical procedures after he fractured a bone in his hand and tore the labrum in his shoulder, both of which required surgery after the season concluded.
Despite those setbacks, Pacheco remains one of the most respected competitors of his generation. His aggressive running style helped the Chiefs capture back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 2022 and 2023, and across four NFL seasons he has produced 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Detroit viewed the signing as a low-risk move to add veteran depth behind Gibbs while strengthening the backfield rotation.
For now, the Lions are expected to conduct additional medical evaluations before determining whether the contract will proceed as planned, be restructured, or ultimately fall apart.
Until those results arrive, Pacheco’s next chapter in Detroit remains temporarily on hold.
