Three Questions: Kansas City Chiefs Running Backs

October 21, 2012; Foxboro, MA USA; New York Jets running back Joe McKnight (25) eludes the tackle of New England Patriots linebacker Bobby Carpenter (59) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Who wins the third running back job?

There are three primary candidates to win the third running back job heading into camp: the incumbent Cyrus Gray, Joe McKnight, and De’Anthony Thomas.

Gray is considered to be an excellent piece in the Chiefs special teams blocking units. There were several times last season where Gray was mentioned as throwing a key block to help spring a return man for extra yardage. The problem is Gray is not a very good running back when asked to take carries on offense. He does not have the same kind of explosiveness as either Charles or Davis, and is basically worthless in a lot of ways in Reid’s scheme. A Pioli Era player, one would think he would be on the outside looking in at this stage.

McKnight flashed some good things at OTAs after being out of football for the full 2013 season. His speed and skill set fits better in Reid’s scheme than it did with the New York Jets, and his flexibility as a punt and kick returner could prove useful for Dave Toub. Assuming he can translate his OTA success onto the field in preseason games then one would think he would be the leading candidate to win the third running back gig.

The dark horse here is Thomas, who is still listed as a running back on the Chiefs roster. Additionally, Thomas spent more snaps than not as a running back in OTAs as opposed to wide receiver. This doesn’t mean the Chiefs do not have plans for him to lineup as a receiver but it does indicate something about their thoughts of him as a running back.

Kansas City also has a glut of receivers who fit the same mold. After Dwayne Bowe, you have a series of players who have a unique skill or trait but have not done enough to really prove their worth as a second wide receiver opposite of Bowe. There is Donnie Avery (speed), A.J. Jenkins (speed), Weston Dressler (possession), Junior Hemingway (size), Mark Harrison (speed/size combination), and Albert Wilson (quickness and speed). The Chiefs may end up choosing to attack the lack of a top end receivers by throwing numbers at the situation. If that is the case then keeping Thomas on the roster would likely mean they list him as s running back.

How this situation plays out will be a very interesting one to watch.