Should I start Isiah Pacheco? Week 13 fantasy projection for Chiefs RB

The Kansas City Chiefs are closer to welcoming Isiah Pacheco back. The running back is closer to making his return after picking up a severe injury in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In an unfortunate and bizarre play, Patrick Mahomes hurt his knee while going for a tackle against an opposing player. A lot was said about Pacheco's timetable return, but the team's recent moves suggest they are set to have Pacheco on the roster as soon as this week.

Isiah Pacheco injury update: Is Chiefs RB playing this week?

On Tuesday, the Chiefs announced a series of moves on social media. Seven combined roster decisions involving the active roster and practice squad suggest they are ready to welcome back Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu.

Among those moves, we can find the addition of LT DJ Humphries to the active roster, the signing of former Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright after Spencer Shrader got hurt and the waiving of DE Cameron Thomas. They also terminated Truman Jones and Lucas Niang's practice squad contracts.

Why are these moves so important? The Chiefs now have 51 spaces on their active roster, with two open spots to be filled by Pacheco and Omenihu, respectively. They are both in the third week of practice since their 21-day practice window opened before their Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Now, they only need to be cleared by the coaches and training staff to return to the field. The Chiefs need to activate them, and they'll be ready to go against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.

Isiah Pacheco fantasy football Week 13 projection

Isiah Pacheco is considered the RB31 in the league by ESPN ahead of the Chiefs' Week 13 matchup. The running back is projected to get 12 carries for 51 rushing yards while catching two passes for 14 yards. This would give him a total production of 11.76 fantasy points.

During the first two weeks of the season, Pacheco posted 15 and 19 carries, respectively, posting 45 and 90 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. He added a touchdown in the season opener, looking as strong as ever against a direct opponent for the AFC throne.

The Chiefs have lost several offensive weapons during the season, but having Pacheco back is a major boost for Andy Reid and Co.