In a significant move to address the injury of starting running back Isiah Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs have brought back former standout running back Kareem Hunt. Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula during the Chiefs' narrow 26-25 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, is expected to be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks.
Hunt, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, had a stellar rookie season, leading the NFL with 1,327 yards rushing and earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, his tenure with the Chiefs was cut short in December 2018 after a video surfaced showing him pushing and kicking a woman during an altercation at a Cleveland hotel. He was subsequently released by the team.
Since his departure from Kansas City, Hunt has played for the Cleveland Browns, accumulating 2,285 rushing yards and 3,342 scrimmage yards over 64 games from 2019 through the last season. Despite his past success, the Chiefs are not expecting the same level of performance that Hunt displayed in his first two seasons. Instead, they are looking for a veteran presence to help bridge the gap until Pacheco's return.
Hunt's return to the Chiefs was finalized after he visited the team and participated in a workout session. He has been signed to the practice squad, with the anticipation that he will soon integrate into the team's lineup. This move is crucial for the Chiefs, who are currently relying on rookie fullback Carson Steele and running back Samaje Perine, along with veteran back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is on the non-football illness list and not eligible to return until Week 5.
In his first game back with the Chiefs, Hunt showed promising signs, particularly in terms of his burst and speed. Despite concerns about his performance in recent years, Hunt demonstrated he still has some of the qualities that made him a standout player in his early career. This was evident in his game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he had 14 carries for 69 yards, similar to his performance in his last game with the Chiefs.
Hunt's recent history has been marked by several injuries, including a sports hernia that required surgery in the offseason. He played through the injury for most of the 2023 season, which may have impacted his performance. However, his return to the Chiefs seems to have revitalized him, as indicated by his improved speed and burst in his recent game.
The Chiefs' decision to bring back Hunt is a strategic move to maintain their offensive momentum while Pacheco recovers. With Hunt's experience and the current state of the Chiefs' backfield, the team is hopeful that he can contribute significantly until Pacheco's return.
