The Kansas City Chiefs left Lambeau Field after digesting their fourth setback of the season with a loss to the Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers. Nevertheless, among the Chiefs players, their running back Isiah Pacheco had to leave Patrick Mahomes’ first stint in the Lambeau field early, as he was forced to do so after the league ejected him from the game.
Following the ejection nightmare while an injury knocked on his door to rule him out of the Chiefs’ next week’s game, the NFL came with the late decision of imposing a hefty fine on the running back.
Why did the NFL fine Isiah Pacheco?
Following the Chiefs’ disappointing loss to the Packers that Mahomes sees as a “good game plan” for the Packers, Isiah Pacheco finds himself in the NFL’s crosshairs after a moment of frustration. The NFL has slapped Pacheco with a fine of $4,943 for unnecessary roughness as a consequence of his throwing a punch at Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon.
The NFL fined #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco $4,943 for unnecessary roughness last week. Pacheco was ejected for throwing a punch. pic.twitter.com/9kgOMjEWs0
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2023
The incident occurred during a night that proved miserable for the Chiefs, who suffered their third loss in five games. Pacheco’s late-game swing at Nixon not only marred his individual performance but also raised concerns about his Week 14 status, with the NFL having a history of suspending players for throwing punches.
Meanwhile, A to Z Sports reported that Pacheco is not expected to face suspension for his actions. This comes as a relief for the Chiefs, particularly their head coach, Andy Reid, who voiced dissatisfaction with the NFL’s decision.
Reid contends that Nixon should have been flagged for “shoving” Pacheco and initiating the altercation. The $4,943 fine is significant as it marks the first offense for unnecessary roughness, resulting in an ejection for Pacheco.
Is Isiah Pacheco injured?
Isiah Pacheco was listed as out for the game against the Green Bay Packers due to a shoulder injury. Pacheco, who had not practiced all week, was a notable absence from the Chiefs’ lineup, adding to the concerns already looming over the team with Patrick Mahomes’ injury concerns.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on potential injured reserve stints for Bryan Cook and Isiah Pacheco: "We'll see."
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) December 8, 2023
The head coach said both Cook and Pacheco are still being evaluated. Pacheco's injury is to the same shoulder he hurt last year.
The Chiefs, who have largely depended on Pacheco as their lead back since he took over for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, are not used to Pacheco’s absence. With its key ball carrier out of the lineup for the game against the Packers, the team is concerned due to this dynamic adjustment.
The running-back transition from Edwards-Helaire to Pacheco showcased a notable difference in performance, with Pacheco making a compelling case for the RB1 position. His impact is evident in his impressive stat line, accumulating 988 total yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. On the ground, Pacheco has showcased his prowess with 779 yards and six scores on 176 carries.
The Chiefs, who have largely depended on Pacheco as their lead back since he took over for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, are not used to Pacheco’s absence. With its key ball carrier out of the lineup for the game against the Packers, the team is concerned due to this dynamic adjustment.
