Isiah Pacheco undergoes back surgery, expected to miss 12 weeks
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:14 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
Isiah Pacheco has undergone surgery to address a back issue affecting a nerve, with a recovery timeline of approximately 12 weeks. The Detroit Lions have now determined that he will miss a significant portion of the regular season, as they initially hoped for a quicker return following a sprained MCL injury. Pacheco's expected return in early December could allow him to contribute during the crucial playoff push. Meanwhile, the Lions may need to consider adding additional depth at running back, as Jahmyr Gibbs is currently handling the workload alone.
- •Pacheco underwent surgery to relieve nerve pressure in his back.
- •Recovery is expected to take around 12 weeks, targeting a December return.
- •He was previously placed on injured reserve before Week 1 due to injury.
- •Jahmyr Gibbs has taken on a larger offensive role in Pacheco's absence.
- •The Lions may pursue additional running back options during Pacheco's recovery.
- 11:29 PMESPN NFL — Source: Lions' Pacheco (back) to miss 12 weeks
- 10:59 PMCBS NFL — Lions' Isiah Pacheco undergoes back surgery, expected to miss significant time
- 10:04 PMYahoo Sports — Isiah Pacheco Surgery Details, Possible Return Date Emerge
"Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss 12 weeks after recently undergoing back surgery, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
"New details have emerged on Isiah Pacheco’s back surgery, including a 12-week recovery timeline and possible early December return for Detroit.
"Pacheco reportedly faces a 12-week recovery and could return in December
Sources
External links- ESPN NFLSep 14, 2026, 11:29 PMSource: Lions' Pacheco (back) to miss 12 weeks
Lions running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss 12 weeks after recently undergoing back surgery, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
- CBS NFLSep 14, 2026, 10:59 PMLions' Isiah Pacheco undergoes back surgery, expected to miss significant time
Pacheco reportedly faces a 12-week recovery and could return in December
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 10:04 PMIsiah Pacheco Surgery Details, Possible Return Date Emerge
New details have emerged on Isiah Pacheco’s back surgery, including a 12-week recovery timeline and possible early December return for Detroit.
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