How does the Kansas City Chiefs roster compare to 2018?
By Drew Brooks
2018 running backs (5): Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, Darrel Williams, Anthony Sherman
2019 running backs (6): Damien Williams, LeSean McCoy, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson, Anthony Sherman
Obviously, the biggest change at running back is the lack of Kareem Hunt, who the Chiefs released last season after video evidence of his physical altercation with a woman in Cleveland surfaced. Hunt, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2017, was on his way to another 1000+ yard rushing season before his release.
After Hunt’s release, the Chiefs turned to Spencer Ware as the starter. He performed well in the two games he started, but was quickly forced out due to a hamstring and shoulder injury. Then Damien Williams took over and averaged 5.1 yards per carry in the three games he started.
While it initially looked like Damien Williams was going to be the starter this year, the Chiefs decided to implement a plan for running back by committee, presumably between Damien Williams, Carlos Hyde, Darrel Williams, and Darwin Thompson. However, after Carlos Hyde did not impress during preseason, the Chiefs traded Hyde to the Texans for offensive lineman Martinas Rankin.
They also signed former Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy, reuniting him with Andy Reid. As a result, Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy will be the Chiefs’ main backs, with Darwin Thompson likely earning some carries along the way.
One spot that hasn’t changed is fullback. The Chiefs resigned Anthony Sherman earlier this year to a 1-year deal. This season will be his seventh season with the team.
Next, let’s look at the rest of the offense: the receivers.