Some news out of Kansas City today as Chiefs star running back Isiah Pacheco underwent surgery for a broken fibula in his right leg suffered during their Week 2 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Initial reports listed Pacheco out only 6-8 weeks following his placement on the injured reserve list, however, Head Coach Andy Reid released the news of Pacheco’s surgery earlier today and declined to give a timeframe for his return.
The fibula is a non-weight bearing bone meaning that surgical intervention is only necessary with displacement or shortening. Typically, a fracture of the fibula can be classified as a Weber Type A with the fracture being below the level of the joint. Type B being at the level of the joint or Type C which is above the level of the joint. Surgery is required when there is a fracture of the fibula with either fracture of the tibia or a ligamentous injury. No mention of Pacheco’s tibia has ever been disclosed.
Surgical intervention in this case would consist of a plate and screws to ensure stability and proper healing.
As far as your fantasy team? Pacheco has the possibility to return to practice in around 6-8 weeks depending on his rehabilitation and return to play. His volume and efficiency would be significantly impaired and it is likely he just gets saved for the playoffs and the Chiefs postseason run.
