The Detroit Lions announced running back Isiah Pacheco sustained an MCL sprain. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the injury Monday morning and expressed confidence Pacheco will be ready for the regular-season opener.
Detroit faces the New Orleans Saints at home Sunday, Sept. 13, in its Week 1 matchup.
Pacheco has dealt with a run of injuries in recent seasons. He missed nine games in 2024 due to a fractured right fibula. In 2023, he was out for a month with an MCL sprain in the same leg. His injury history over the past four seasons includes a fractured fibula, shoulder surgery, a concussion, toe and ankle issues and a hand fracture. A medical assessment rated his injury concern at six out of 10.
During injury-affected stretches, Pacheco averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His prior MCL sprain in late October kept him out until Thanksgiving that year. He finished that season with 462 yards and one touchdown across 13 games with the Chiefs.
The Lions also confirmed a significant offensive line injury. Center Cade Mays sustained a wrist injury that will sideline him for a substantial period. Campbell said the injury is not season-ending, but Mays' return is not expected soon. Mays joined Detroit in the offseason on a three-year, $25 million deal.
In other backfield news, running back Jahmyr Gibbs agreed to a three-year extension worth $67.5 million, with incentives that can push the total to $75.75 million. Gibbs returned to training camp practices after negotiations concluded.
Detroit also released former first-round pick Terrion Arnold following his arrest on alleged kidnapping and armed robbery charges. Arnold, 23, has met with the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks and plans to meet with the New Orleans Saints. He could be placed on the commissioner's exempt list if signed by a team.
Across the league, running backs secured major contracts this week. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson reportedly signed a three-year, $66.75 million extension. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor also agreed to a two-year, $44 million deal.
Offensive linemen saw substantial deals as well. The Chicago Bears made Darnell Wright the richest right tackle in the game. The Buffalo Bills signed guard O'Cyrus Torrence to a four-year, $78.4 million deal. The Tennessee Titans reset the guard market with Peter Skoronski's four-year, $100 million extension.
The Washington Commanders suffered a major blow when star left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps in practice. Coach Dan Quinn confirmed Tunsil will undergo surgery and miss a significant portion of the regular season.
