The Kansas City Chiefs were searching for help with their running game. Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula and is likely out for the season. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the PUP list. Rookie Carson Steele stepped up in Week 3, though lost that opportunity with a poor Week 4 start. Enter Kareem Hunt. He looks fresh and could carve out a significant role for the remainder of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs and Kareem Hunt Relationship
Hunt was released by the Chiefs in 2018 after a video was released of him shoving and kicking a woman outside his residence. Hunt did not play for the remainder of 2018, and his future in the NFL was in question. The Browns signed Hunt in 2019, and he played until the end of the 2023 season.
Since his incident, Hunt has stayed out of the media in a negative light. The Kansas City Chiefs just lost Rashee Rice for an extended period of time, and Pacheco is done for the season. Those were the Kansas City Chiefs’ top two playmakers, not Travis Kelce. The needs of both parties seem to have mended their relationship.
The Kansas City Chiefs Offense With Kareem Hunt
The Hunt fit was a no-brainer for the Chiefs. Hunt already knows Coach Andy Reid’s playbook and fits the mold of what the Kansas City Chiefs ask of their running backs. Hunt showed, in Week 4, that he has plenty left in the tank. Hunt did everything during his first stint with the Chiefs. He was devastating between the tackles and elusive as a receiver out of the backfield.
Hunt was this again in Week 4 for the Kansas City Chiefs. He showcased the contact balance, shiftiness, and hands that the Chiefs grew to love so much before.
Every Kareem Hunt carry from Week 4. #ChiefsKingdom @ArrowheadAddict pic.twitter.com/WFpl42WimM
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) September 30, 2024
What Does This Mean For Hunt and the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offense took a big hit, losing Pacheco and another losing Rice. Travis Kelce finally looked himself in Week 4, and Hunt provided firepower in the backfield they were missing. His 85 scrimmage yards proved he is read and up to the task of being a high-level contributor to the Chiefs offense.
Hunt’s knowledge and past production with Coach Reid provide overwhelming confidence in throwing the entire playbook at him. The game plan that the Chiefs set forward with Pacheco will change minimally, if at all, with Hunt.
The good news for Chiefs fans is that it sounds like Rashee Rice did not tear his ACL.
I'll be damned. Rice likely avoided an ACL tear. This is why we confirm with imaging
Still, if has a bone bruise and/or PCL sprain, this could be a 4+ week injury https://t.co/6VDIS7NFsu
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) October 1, 2024
The Kanas City Chiefs will have their top wide receiver back in the somewhat near future. Travis Kelce finally looked to be himself in Week 4. He nearly eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark. The offense needs a wide receiver to step up, but Hunt’s versatility eases some pain. The fact that the Chiefs will not have to rely on a passing game that is now depleted of a true top receiver is a blessing. Hunt has a great shot to retain the starting role for the rest of the season. Kansas City Chiefs fans should be excited.
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