The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, and they also lost their starting running back — at least, for the final 60 seconds of Week 13. Why was running back Isiah Pacheco ejected against the Green Bay Packers, and could he be suspended?
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco Ejected From SNF in Week 13
Late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice made a 10-yard catch, fumbled, and turned the ball over to the Packers. However, the fumble was overturned on review after Rice was ruled down by contact.
During the fracas surrounding that play, Pacheco punched Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon. He was flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualified for the remainder of the game.
Isiah Pacheco was disqualified from the game for throwing punch. pic.twitter.com/XvQK8FlAn2
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 4, 2023
Losing Pacheco for the game’s final minute wasn’t the end of the world, but the 15-yard penalty moved the Chiefs back to midfield as they attempted to mount a comeback.
Patrick Mahomes ultimately attempted a failed Hail Mary from the Packers’ 33-yard line as time expired at the end of the fourth quarter — Kansas City surely would’ve liked to have been 15 yards closer to the end zone as it threw up a prayer.
MORE: Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart
Could Pacheco earn a suspension from the league office? It’s unclear, but the NFL will likely announce any ban relatively quickly to allow Pacheco to appeal.
Jerick McKinnon is typically the Chiefs’ RB2, but he’s been sidelined by a groin injury for the past two games. Clyde Edwards-Helaire handled two rushing attempts behind Pachecho on Sunday night.
Pacheco posted 18 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, adding three catchers for 13 yards through the air. He’s now scored three times over the past two weeks, while his 110 rushing yards were the third-most of his career.
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