Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is facing a significant absence after undergoing surgery on his back, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. The procedure was performed to remove a body that was pressing against a nerve in Pacheco’s back, with the veteran running back now facing an estimated 12-week recovery period.
The development represents another setback for Pacheco, who had already been dealing with injury concerns heading into the 2026 season. He initially suffered an MCL injury before experiencing a back issue during training. The Lions placed him on injured reserve earlier this month, but Monday’s update reveals that the problem was more serious than initially understood.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Pacheco underwent back surgery but stopped short of providing a specific timetable when speaking with reporters. Campbell described the recovery as significant and acknowledged that Pacheco will be unavailable for a considerable period.
Rapoport’s report provides a more specific timeline, indicating that Pacheco is expected to require approximately 12 weeks to recover. If his rehabilitation progresses without complications, he could have a chance to return to the Lions in early December, giving Detroit hope that he can contribute during the final stretch of the regular season.
The injury creates an immediate challenge for Detroit’s running-back depth. Jahmyr Gibbs carried a particularly heavy workload in the Lions’ season-opening victory over the New Orleans Saints, while the team’s other running backs will now be asked to assume larger roles during Pacheco’s absence.
Pacheco joined Detroit during the offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions signed him to provide depth and experience behind Gibbs, making his prolonged absence a major blow to the team’s plans for its backfield rotation.
For now, the Lions will have to move forward without one of their key offseason additions. Pacheco’s potential return in December gives Detroit a reason for optimism, but his recovery will ultimately determine when he can safely return to football activities. The immediate priority will be allowing him to fully recover from the surgery before attempting to resume his NFL workload.
