The Kansas City Chiefs brought back former running back Kareem Hunt to offer depth in the wake of Isiah Pacheco fracturing his fibula. With Pacheco out for the next six to eight weeks, the team currently has rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine to lean on.
Read more: Exclusive: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco’s Fractured Fibula Explained by Doctor
Hunt was brought in not only to serve as an additional veteran presence but also someone who can step in if Steele and Perine cannot cut taking on more expanded roles on the ground. Despite the excitement of his returning to the Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid revealed Hunt will not be elevated from the practice squad for the game.
Andy Reid told reporters that Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt will not be elevated from the practice squad for Sunday night’s game vs. the Falcons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2024
Hunt was barely signed on Sep. 16, and it is far too early to add him to the active roster. The Chiefs will instead allow Steele to assume the starting role to see what the former UCLA Bruins running back can do.
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 11: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a jump cut over Bene’ Benwikere #23 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. Chiefs wont activate Kareem Hunt for Week 3.
David Eulitt/Getty Images
Through Steele’s limited time through two games, he has secured 27 yards on nine carries for an average of 3.0 yards per carry. His longest run was also for nine yards.
Steele can work his way into a more trustworthy role on Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Falcons. The good news is the Falcons are currently near the bottom of the league in allowing rushing yards, with an average of 161.5 per game.
Those this is a small sample size, the Chiefs are set to see if Steele can put together a solid outing in the backfield in his first professional start.
Hunt will have to wait until Week 4 to be added to the active roster, which is when the Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sep. 29. The Chargers have one of the best defenses in the league though, so that might be a tough day for the running back corps of Kansas City.
Hunt’s production has also slipped in recent years. He finished the 2023 season with 411 and nine touchdowns. The high touchdown number is fantastic, but his 3.0 yards per carry average is not that impressive.
More news: Chiefs to Sign Former Running Back Kareem Hunt to Practice Squad
Even if and when Hunt is added to the active roster, he will likely split carries with Steele and Perine. He might even become a goal-line option considering the nine touchdowns he tallied in 2023.
Steele will be RB1 for Week 3 and could assume that role while Pacheco heals if he can put together a solid performance on the ground this week. Even with the Hunt signing, Steele is the presumed starter for the next six to eight weeks.
For more on the Chiefs, head to Newsweek Sports.
Share
Print
