Kareem Hunt is now the Kansas City Chiefs featured running back. What does that mean moving forward for all parties involved?
The departure of former All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles and his competent successor Spencer Ware has put the Kansas City Chiefs backfield in an interesting position. 2017 draftee Kareem Hunt has now been named the starter by head coach Andy Reid, and in all likelihood, CJ Spiller will make the final 53-man roster (cementing his return to the National Football League). Furthermore, this series of events is also likely to keep third-string back Charcandrick West in Kansas City for at least another season. Were there any position on the roster where the Chiefs could absorb an injury, it’s at running back. The question now becomes, can their remaining parts form a respectable run game this season?
Hunt has big shoes to fill as the top running back on the depth chart now, but by all accounts, he’s been developing nicely over the course of the offseason. This preseason, he’s amassed 79 rushing yards on 18 carries (4.4 yards per carry) and snagged four receptions for 32 yards. The good news is that Hunt won’t have to be a workhorse for Kansas City. They’re in a unique position of having two former starting running backs behind him. Spiller, who at times has looked like his old self this month, can split carries with Hunt and West provides an excellent change-of-pace as the RB3.