Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, Carson Steele Fantasy Outlook amid Pacheco Injury

Julia StumbaughSeptember 17, 2024

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Free-agent running back Kareem Hunt could be a good Week 3 pickup for fantasy football managers.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday that the 29-year-old is expected to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he will help replace injured running back Isiah Pacheco.

Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards during his rookie 2017 season with the Chiefs before he was waived in 2018.

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportBreaking: The #Chiefs are expected to sign free agent RB Kareem Hunt, per sources.

Hunt returns to Kansas City, where he was a Pro Bowler in 2017. He will help fill the void left by injured RB Isiah Pacheco – who’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/ycPlP2sU10

Pacheco is expected to miss between six and eight weeks after suffering a fibula injury on Sunday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It’s not yet clear where Hunt will slot into the Chiefs’ depth chart alongside UDFA rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perin, but all three could get more carries in Pacheco’s absence.

Hunt has made 64 appearances and 11 starts for the Cleveland Browns in the five seasons since he was waived by the Chiefs.

Most recently, he made 135 carries for 411 yards in 15 appearances for the Browns, recording nine touchdowns but marking a career-low 3.0 yards per carry.

Although the days of his speed as a Pro Bowl rookie are likely behind him, the Toledo product could see a boost in production this fall if he is able to climb the Kansas City depth chart.

In choosing a starter, the Chiefs will have to weigh Hunt’s experience with the potential they saw in a strong preseason from Steele.

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, Steele has made nine carries for 27 yards and four first downs in his first two appearances for Kansas City.

He’s been the only Chiefs running back other than Pacheco to record a carry through two games, making him a good option for managers looking for more rushing yards.

Perine, who is in his eight NFL season, joined the Chiefs after he was cut by the Denver Broncos this offseason. He has yet to record a carry through two games, but has made two catches for 13 yards.

Perine could be a good target for managers in a points-per-reception league. His receiving abilities could lead the Chiefs to give him more playing time as they look to lean on Patrick Mahomes’ passing ability in Pacheco’s absence. Expect him also to get more playing time on third-down situations.

Managers should meanwhile keep an eye on whether Clyde Edwards-Helaire returns to the running back mix after Week 4. The fifth-year RB began the season on the reserve/NFI list.

Travis Kelce, who has just four catches through two games, is a solid buy-low candidate. The Chiefs may look for answers on offense outside of their run game in the coming weeks, which is likely to lead to more targets for the veteran tight end.

Schefter reported that Pacheco is expected to play again this year.

With the Chiefs slated for a bye week in Week 6, Pacheco will be able to return for a Week 9 road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 27 at the earliest if placed on IR. The latter half of Schefter’s projected timeline puts his return closer to a Week 10 home game on Nov. 10 against the Denver Broncos.