The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on Isiah Pacheco’s status, as fantasy managers are also looking to see the third-year running back play for the first time since Week 2.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pacheco is “hopeful” to return for the Chiefs’ game in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers.

Pacheco has missed the past seven games due to a fractured fibula suffered in a 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 15.

Kansas City opened his practice window this week, giving the team three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster, otherwise he will have to miss the remainder of the season.

Pacheco was a limited participant in each of their three practices this week, but the Chiefs have already ruled him out for Sunday’s huge clash with the Buffalo Bills.

The 25-year-old entered this season with high expectations as a fantasy player. He was the No. 15 overall running back last year in PPR leagues, including three games with more than 29 points from Weeks 12-17.

Availability has been a problem for Pacheco over the past two seasons. He missed two games during that hot streak last year due to a shoulder injury. When he’s on the field, though, his ability as a runner and receiver make him extremely valuable.

Pacheco averaged nearly 16 fantasy points per game in his first two starts this season. He had 41 total touches in those games. The only Chiefs players that have more touches than Pacheco are Kareem Hunt (139), Travis Kelce (61) and Carson Steele (49).

The Panthers are a great opponent for Pacheco to get back into the swing of things if he plays. They have allowed 39 more fantasy points to opposing running backs than any other defense in the league.

Opposing teams have run for at least 125 yards against the Panthers in eight of their 10 games.