Here's how the Chiefs should sort out their now-crowded backfield

During Week 11, the Kansas City Chiefs made the decision to bring back defensive end Charles Omenihu and running back Isiah Pacheco from the team's injured reserve list. The move opened up a 21-day window within which both players could return to practice for three weeks before the Chiefs would have to make a permanent decision to welcome them back to the active roster or lose them to IR for the season's remaining games.

The Chiefs are now in a unique position, one they've not experienced before in the Patrick Mahomes era, with two lead-style running backs.

Even the most optimistic Chiefs fan did not expect to get the results the Chiefs have gotten from Kareem Hunt. He's been on an absolute tear over the last 6 games with 125 carries, 449 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 14 receptions for 116 yards. Hunt has earned one of the heaviest workloads of any back in football since signing with the Chiefs—the only running back with more carries than Kareem Hunt is Derrick Henry.

Now with the Pacheco returning, the Chiefs have a crowded running back rotation that they need to whittle down. Hunt, Pacheco, and Perine have all played key snaps for this offense this year. Rookie Carson Steele has shown some flashes and has increased his fullback snaps over the last few weeks. Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn't been active on game day this year but he's been a role player for the team over the last four years as well.

Who should lead the team in carries going forward?

Once Pacheco returns there is a real debate to be had about who should get the most amount of snaps. The Chiefs' heavy usage of Hunt implies that they will give Pacheco the volume and gear down Hunt upon his return.

Many Chiefs fans have been vocal about Hunt needing to be the lead back even when Pacheco returns. There are several qualities that Hunt has that make him still a great option for the offense. His vision and ability to almost never generate lost yardage is valuable. He always seems to fall forward an extra yard or two on each carry. He is a modern-day slap hitter, to use some baseball parlance. He rarely strikes out (loses yardage) and gets on base (gains yardage) yet almost never hits for power (explosive runs).

Since Week 4, Hunt's four rushes of 10+ yards rank 33rd in the NFL. His 194 yards after contact rank 19th in the league in that time as well. Next Gen Stats has him at -63 yards rushing yards over expectation, which means he's leaving yards on the table. According to GPS tracking viaNext Gen Stats, Patrick Mahomes (18) has more 15+ MPH carries than Kareem Hunt (8). There are lots of numbers that back up the fact that Hunt isn't the most efficient runner—he's productive but not efficient.

Pacheco brings something to this offense it does not presently have: explosive runs. The Chiefs still see the 9th most light boxes (6 defenders or less) in the NFL despite being a run-heavy offense that struggles with deep passing plays. The Chiefs rushing offense as a whole ranks 11th in DVOA, and that includes QB and WR carries. There's certainly room for growth in the Chiefs rushing offense.

Pacheco's explosiveness can punish teams that are playing lighter boxes, and those runs that with Hunt are going for 3-4 yards are more likely to go for 6-8 yards with Pacheco. Right now the Chiefs are the best third-down offense in the NFL because they are converting short third downs from the minimal run chunk gains. Getting more explosive runs will limit their need to hit on those third downs. The best offenses in the NFL don't face third downs often. They convert on first and second down.

Conclusion

The good news for the Chiefs running back room is each player has a clear role that works well for them. Pacheco is most dynamic on early downs and between the 20s (not in the red zone). His speed and elusiveness give the offense the best opportunity at explosive plays.

Kareem Hunt already has 5 rushing touchdowns in 6 games last year Isiah Pacheco only had 7 for the full season. Hunt is a real factor in the red zone and in short yardage.

Samaje Perine ranks 13th amongst running backs in pass block grade according to PFF. He is a quality receiver as well which makes him an ideal candidate for passing downs. Hunt and Pacheco will likely mix in the passing game too.

Lastly, the Chiefs will need to decide if they want to keep Steele on the active roster or not. He's mixed in at fullback some but has also had some obvious rookie moments as well. The Chiefs are in a good position to have the best running back room they've had with Patrick Mahomes, which is a good sign for the Chiefs offense heading into the cold weather months.