NFL14 Sept 20262 minute read

Detroit Lions Running Back Isiah Pacheco Sidelined 12 Weeks After Back Surgery

Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is out for 12 weeks following back surgery, while guard Christian Mahogany is also dealing with a hip injury.

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Pacheco Facing Long Recovery After Surgery

The Detroit Lions have suffered a major setback in their backfield. Running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss about 12 weeks after undergoing back surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins IV to remove a loose body that was pressing on a nerve in Pacheco's back.

With a 12 week recovery timeline, Pacheco is now looking at a potential return in early December. Lions head coach Dan Campbell discussed the situation and noted that the running back will be out for a while. Campbell said, "It's going to be a while. I really can't. It'll be a significant amount of time though."

Pacheco was already scheduled to miss the first four games for Detroit. The team placed him on the injured reserve list with a designation to return back on September 1. He has been dealing with both an MCL sprain and the back injury, which he suffered during training camp.

Roster Adjustments and Mahogany Injury Update

The Lions signed Pacheco as a free agent during the offseason. The plan was to pair him with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. This move came after Detroit traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. Before joining the Lions, Pacheco spent his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won two Super Bowl titles.

In addition to the news about Pacheco, Detroit is also monitoring starting left guard Christian Mahogany. He suffered a hip injury during the first half of Sunday's victory over the New Orleans Saints and had to be carted to the locker room.

Campbell does not think Mahogany's hip injury will be a long term problem. Still, the Lions face a very quick turnaround this week. Campbell admitted that "it could be tough to get him ready" for the team's next game in Buffalo.

What it means for the next game

Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills (NFL, Fri, 18 Sep): Buffalo Bills win 65%, Detroit Lions win 35%; projected score Buffalo Bills 28, Detroit Lions 24. Our safest pick: Bills to win. Our best value pick: Under 53.5 points.