Given the season-long loss of Spencer Ware, it’s safe to wonder whether the Chiefs would want to sign another running back.
Two weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs experienced their biggest injury of the preseason: a season-ending knee injury for featured running back Spencer Ware. In a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field, Ware went down holding his knee in the first quarter trying to stretch a play. The end result was torn ligaments and a lost season for Ware, a player who took a major step forward in 2016—his first season in the driver’s seat as a back.
The loss moved rookie Kareem Hunt to the front of the line for the Chiefs. A promising third round pick, the Chiefs had high praise after the 2017 NFL Draft for Hunt. Not only was he heralded for his stamina, his ability to extend the play and his toughness, but he also has above average hands as a pass catcher. He is, however, still a rookie who has yet to play a down of professional football.
Beyond Hunt is another pair of question marks. Charcandrick West enjoyed a solid season for the Chiefs in 2015, but regressed last year from a 4.0 yards/carry average to 3.3 yards/carry in 2016. That average would be poor for a fullback. His primary competition for back-up running back, now that Hunt is the official starter per head coach Andy Reid, is C.J. Spiller, a comeback candidate hoping to find the fountain of youth. Spiller has looked nice this preseason, but let’s be realistic: he’s had only 430 total rushing yards since the 2013 season ended.
If the Chiefs are interested, there are some new running backs available on the free agent market now that teams are making their final roster cuts. The preseason is over which means a number of players, even very familiar ones, will hit the open market. Here’s a look at the newest names out there and whether or not the Chiefs might be inclined to bite.