Brett Veach reminds Chiefs Kingdom not to forget about Keaontay Ingram

The conversation around running back for the Kansas City Chiefs is really a discussion of two names: Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

That much makes sense given the level of talent and experience in the offensive backfield for the Chiefs. It's perhaps the thinnest position on the active roster at this stage of the offseason, with only Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire offering anything proven on the field. Given that free agency is largely played out and the NFL Draft has come and gone, there's not a lot of hope for major changes on the horizon.

Keaontay Ingram is often overlooked in the discussion at running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, but perhaps he shouldn't be.

So at this point, the Chiefs look like they're heading into this coming season at running back with a clear lead back in Pacheco, a well-rounded backup who can provide depth and rest behind Pacheco and a lot of question marks.

Here's what's interesting: even among the question marks or secondary players, there's still some level of recognition. These role players and developmental prospects are mentioned enough that many fans can recall them without much effort—names like La'Mical Perine or Deneric Prince. And then there's the new undrafted free agents like Carson Steele and Emani Bailey.

But where's Keaontay Ingram in all of this?

Ingram is on the Chiefs 90-man roster just like everyone else, but the former Arizona Cardinal has been overlooked by most fans so far this offseason. It makes sense given how he was a late addition to the practice squad in 2023, and it's not as if Ingram has set the world on fire when given past opportunities. He's a longshot to make the active roster of a contender and nothing more.

But don't tell that to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. In fact, Veach singled him out the other day in his post-draft presser when discussing running back options. When asked about the state of the position, Veach was detailing the pieces in place and then added the following:

"Keaontay Ingram is a guy we liked, too. We got him late last year and it’s hard when guys come in in the middle of the season. We had to add him to the practice squad late. But we were a fan of his when he was at USC."

Ingram was the sixth-round choice of the Arizona Cardinals in the '22 NFL Draft, the same draft that produced Pacheco in the seventh for the Chiefs. It's natural to wonder if Ingram would have been the name submitted if he were still on the board. Either way, it's interesting to hear the way Veach talks about Ingram when the floor is open to him.n df

Together with Prince and Perine, Veach went on to describe the state of competition and what's ahead for everyone vying for the chance to replace Jerick McKinnon.

"So I think that’s gonna be one of those positions that’s just like the left tackle starting position, just like the tail end positions at corner, I think that running back position will be a battle. It usually comes down to special teams and pass protector as a number three here. All three of those guys have traits we like.

"I think all of those guys have talent and the ability to play in this league. Now it’s just a matter of who can put together a solid training camp and earn the position."