Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco knew that it was gut-check time this offseason, and he’s hit the ground running as workouts begin.

Coming off a 2024 season that was derailed by a fractured fibula injury, which saw him play just 10 games, including the playoffs, Kareem Hunt was the leading man for the offense when Isiah returned from his injury.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Pacheco needs to show he is worthy of a new deal with the Chiefs, and aside from last season, he was emerging as a potential star of the league.

So, how has Pacheco begun his offseason work with so much on the line?

“He looks good physically, he looks real good,” head coach Andy Reid said. “He’s put on a couple pounds of good weight, he’d gotten himself down there a little bit last year and leaned up, but man, I think he looks tremendous right now.”

Now, we know that we can take whatever happens prior to training camp with a grain of salt, but in Pacheco’s case, getting on the grass and staying there is crucial.

After back-to-back seasons of over 800+ rushing yards and at least five touchdowns, due to injury last year, Pacheco only managed 347 yards (including playoffs) in his 10 games.

That won’t get it done in 2025, and with Elijah Mitchell signed in free agency, plus the plaudits coming from rookie Brashard Smith, Pacheco might have his work cut out to get the carries necessary to prove he deserves to be the No. 1 back.

But right now, he’s trending in the right direction.

It just has to stay that way.