Who will be the Kansas City Chiefs back up running backs?

Damien Williams

In an offseason where the Chiefs signed three different running backs with the last name Williams, it is easy to understand why many Chiefs fans may not be able to keep track of which one is which. However, I believe that there is one of the three Williams that is the most likely to both make the roster and be a key contributor this season: Damien Williams. From this point on I will simply refer to him as Damien to try and help fans keep track of which Williams I am discussing.

Damien Williams comes to the Chiefs after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins where he essentially played the same role for the Dolphins as Charcandrick West has played for the Chiefs. Damien was never a big factor in the run game but racked up a total of 85 receptions and 733 yards receiving while with the Dolphins. So the question is, why would the Chiefs sign a guy that seems to be a fit for West’s role in this offense, if they were happy with the job West had done?

It doesn’t make sense unless they feel that Damien is an upgrade over West in that role, or at very least that they are basically interchangeable and can save more cap dollars by cutting West. Damien is coming off of shoulder surgery, so there are some questions about his health as well. However, unlike Ware, with Damien’s value being as a pass catcher out of the backfield, there is likely to be less wear and tear on his body.

I don’t know that Damien is the kind of guy that the Chiefs would ever trust to carry the ball more than a few times per game but if the offense is going to be built around the arm of Patrick Mahomes it would make sense to have a true pass catching third down back on the roster and I believe that is what Damien Williams will be.

Next, let’s look at the other veteran Williams that the Chiefs signed this offseason.