IsiahPacheco

News: 18 hours agoLions GM Brad Holmes said Wednesday that Pacheco (back) doesn't have a clear timetable for return, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

Spin: Pacheco was placed on injured reserve with his back issue and will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. It sounds like his absence could extend beyond Week 5 when he's first eligible to play. In the meantime, Jacob Saylors looks like the direct backup to Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. Gibbs could see some heavy snaps this season after the departure of steady veteran running mate David Montgomery over the offseason.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Pacheco signed with Detroit in the offseason after a four-year stint with the Chiefs. The 2022 seventh-round NFL draft pick opened his pro career with a bang, totaling 2,139 yards and 14 touchdowns on 432 touches during his first two seasons (31 games). Injuries and a big drop in efficiency have limited him to 952 yards and three TDs on 232 touches over the past two seasons (20 games) and ultimately led to his exit from Kansas City. The 27-year-old will now get a shot to replace David Montgomery as Detroit's change-of-pace back to Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco might hit for the occasional touchdown, but he won't have standalone fantasy value unless Gibbs misses time. Consider Pacheco a late-round insurance flier.