IsiahPacheco

News: 17 hours agoPacheco is dealing with a sprained MCL, but head coach Dan Campbell believes he will be ready for Detroit's season opener against New Orleans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Spin: It's unclear how Pacheco sustained the injury, but it will confine him to the sidelines for the time being. Pacheco's absence will open up some reps for the other running backs on Detroit's roster, but if he recovers as anticipated he remains the clear favorite to back up Jahmyr Gibbs (back) in Week 1.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Pacheco signed with Detroit in the offseason after a four-year stint with the Chiefs. The 2022 seventh-round NFL draft pick opened his pro career with a bang, totaling 2,139 yards and 14 touchdowns on 432 touches during his first two seasons (31 games). Injuries and a big drop in efficiency have limited him to 952 yards and three TDs on 232 touches over the past two seasons (20 games) and ultimately led to his exit from Kansas City. The 27-year-old will now get a shot to replace David Montgomery as Detroit's change-of-pace back to Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco might hit for the occasional touchdown, but he won't have standalone fantasy value unless Gibbs misses time. Consider Pacheco a late-round insurance flier.