Kareem Hunt Returns to Chiefs Amid Running Back Shortage

Kareem Hunt Returns to Chiefs Amid Running Back Shortage \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing Kareem Hunt back, signing him to their practice squad after injuries sidelined key running backs. Hunt, once a rising star for the Chiefs, was released in 2018 following a video showing an assault incident. Now, the Chiefs hope Hunt can provide much-needed depth as they aim for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Chiefs Sign Kareem Hunt: Quick Looks

• The Chiefs have signed running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad to address depth concerns.
• Hunt, initially a Chiefs star, was released in 2018 after a video surfaced of him involved in an assault.
• Injuries to Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire prompted the Chiefs to seek more running back options.
• Hunt had a successful five-year stint with the Cleveland Browns after leaving the Chiefs, despite serving an eight-game suspension.
• He is expected to stay on the practice squad until he’s ready to contribute fully to the Chiefs’ offensive system.
• The Chiefs, chasing a third consecutive Super Bowl, have started the season with two close wins against the Ravens and Bengals.

Deep Look:

The Kansas City Chiefs are reuniting with a familiar face, bringing running back Kareem Hunt back to the team by signing him to their practice squad. This decision comes after a string of injuries at the running back position has left the Chiefs thin in their backfield. Isiah Pacheco, their leading rusher, sustained a right ankle injury during Sunday’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, and the team fears he may be out for the majority of the season. Compounding the issue, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, another key running back, is sidelined due to a non-football illness and is expected to miss at least two more games. With a critical stretch of the season looming, the Chiefs are scrambling to ensure they have adequate depth at running back as they head into their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.

Hunt’s journey with the Chiefs has been filled with both highs and lows. Drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Toledo, Hunt made an immediate impact as a rookie. He led the NFL in rushing that year, piling up 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young running backs. His second season saw him continue to thrive, contributing 824 rushing yards and seven touchdowns through just 11 games.

However, in late November 2018, Hunt’s time with the Chiefs was abruptly cut short after a video surfaced showing the running back involved in an altercation with a woman in a Cleveland hotel. In the footage, Hunt was seen shoving the woman to the ground and kicking her, leading to widespread condemnation. Although the woman later chose not to cooperate with authorities, resulting in no charges being filed, the Chiefs moved swiftly to release Hunt, citing the disturbing nature of the incident.

Following his release, Hunt’s NFL career was in limbo until the Cleveland Browns signed him in February 2019. The signing was not without controversy, and Hunt was handed an eight-game suspension at the start of the 2018 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. When he returned, Hunt performed admirably, rushing for 179 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and adding 37 receptions for 285 receiving yards and one more score. His strong play led to a two-year, $13.25 million contract extension with the Browns, solidifying his role as a valuable asset in their backfield. Despite dealing with competition from star running back Nick Chubb, Hunt remained a key contributor for the Browns over the next few seasons, even though injuries, including a calf issue in 2021, hampered his consistency.

After five seasons in Cleveland, where he ran for a total of 2,285 yards and five touchdowns, Hunt found himself without a team following the 2022 season as the Browns opted not to re-sign him. The Chiefs, now in need of a veteran presence to bolster their depth at running back, have chosen to give Hunt another opportunity, signing him to their practice squad in hopes that he can once again contribute on the field.

For now, Hunt is expected to remain on the practice squad as he gets reacquainted with the Chiefs’ system and learns the intricacies of their playbook. The team’s immediate plan is to rely on undrafted rookie Carson Steele and journeyman Samaje Perine, both of whom are likely to receive the majority of snaps in the coming weeks. The Chiefs also have Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey as other potential options for promotion from the practice squad if further depth is needed.

The Chiefs are in pursuit of a historic third consecutive Super Bowl championship this season. They opened the 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, a game that came down to a defensive stand by Kansas City in the final moments. In their second game, the Chiefs secured a dramatic 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, thanks to a 51-yard field goal by Harrison Butker with no time remaining. These early-season triumphs reflect Kansas City’s ability to win close games, but the team knows it must stay healthy and maintain depth to continue this success.

Hunt’s return adds another layer to the Chiefs’ already compelling narrative this season. Though he won’t be stepping onto the field immediately, the 28-year-old running back could become a significant contributor down the stretch as Kansas City continues its quest for NFL history. With Pacheco’s status uncertain and Edwards-Helaire still unavailable, Hunt’s eventual role could prove crucial in the Chiefs’ efforts to remain competitive deep into the postseason.

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