Brett Veach anticipates ‘shared load’ for Damien Williams, Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says he envisions a “shared role” for Damien Williams and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the backfield.

When the Kansas City Chiefs decided to take a first-round plunge on a running back with Louisiana State’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the first thought on the minds of fans and analysts alike wasn’t that the team would fit him into some marginal role. A first round back is a featured back, and the position, unlike others in the NFL, is all about instant results.

Brett Veach pumped the brakes on those expectations in a recent interview with Pro Football Talk. The Chiefs general manager did say all kinds of wonderful things about their shiny new offensive weapon—words like “special” and “unique”—but Veach also said that he envisions a “shared load” for the Chiefs with Edwards-Helaire and incumbent lead back Damien Williams.

The carousel for Williams is an interesting one. Last offseason, Chiefs Kingdom heard the same thing and Andy Reid even christened him the starting back during the spring—an odd time to declare someone the starter when there’s no competition at work and months to go before the season even begins. At the last minute, the Chiefs then grabbed LeSean McCoy, which upset the apple cart of all expectations.

From there, Williams turned in one of the worst half seasons by a running back in a long time, averaging 2.1 yards/carry through eight games. However, another late season surge and run of postseason mastery placed him, once again, in the starter’s seat. Even with a first-round investment in Edwards-Helaire, Williams has earned himself shared carries alongside such a heralded prospect.

How long that will play out will likely depend on Williams’ ability to start the season strong. Given how poorly Williams performed at the outset of last year, it makes sense to question just how healthy he was in the first place. Maybe Williams needed a couple months to get things right before taking over down the stretch. Then again, Edwards-Helaire’s talent will push Williams for reps as the Chiefs look to maximize their offense.

However it goes down, the position is in better hands, even with a shared load, than it has been since Kareem Hunt was released from the team.