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Back surgery to keep Lions RB Isiah Pacheco out much longer

By Thomson Reuters Sep 14, 2026 | 5:34 PM

By Field Level Media

Sep 14 (Field Level Media) – Isiah Pacheco’s Detroit Lions debut has been delayed further, perhaps until December, ​after the running back underwent back ‌surgery.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Pacheco had the procedure and will be out for “a significant amount of time.” NFL Network reported that ‌he ​will need 12 weeks to ⁠recover from a procedure ⁠to remove a loose body that was pressing on a nerve.

Pacheco was already slated to miss the first four games of ​Detroit’s season after being placed on injured reserve Sept. 1 with a designation ⁠to return. Campbell said at ⁠the time that Pacheco was ​dealing with a back injury, an unexpected development ​after Pacheco suffered an MCL injury in ‌training camp.

The 27-year-old Pacheco signed with the Lions as a free agent in the offseason after playing four seasons with the Kansas ⁠City Chiefs. Detroit brought him in to complement lead back Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco has 18 missed games ⁠in his ‌career, counting the Lions’ Week ⁠1 matchup against the New Orleans ​Saints.

When ‌he has been on the field, ​he has ⁠produced 2,537 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 51 games (42 starts). Pacheco has also been an effective receiver with 88 catches for 554 yards (6.3 per reception) and three touchdowns.

(–Field ​Level Media)