NFL Rumors: Kareem Hunt, Chiefs Agree to Contract After Isiah Pacheco’s Leg Injury

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 17, 2024

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Kareem Hunt is reportedly going back to where his NFL career started.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday the Kansas City Chiefs signed the veteran running back to their practice squad after he worked out for the team. This comes after Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Kansas City will likely be without Pacheco for the foreseeable future, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Monday the starter is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

The Chiefs are also without wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who may miss the entire season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. While Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy can still anchor one of the best offenses in the league, the two-time reigning champions need more depth at the skill positions given the injuries.

Enter Hunt.

Kansas City selected the 29-year-old with a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft, and he was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season with a league-best 1,327 rushing yards, 455 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. He played just one more season with the Chiefs and then spent the next five years with the Cleveland Browns.

While Hunt has never replicated those rookie numbers, he is still capable of making plays as a runner or a versatile receiver out of the backfield. And opposing defenses will likely key on other playmakers, which could open up space for him as a pass-catcher on third downs.

The Chiefs also have Carson Steele and Samaje Perine at running back and will surely rely on both of them while Pacheco is out. Perine is also a capable receiver and will likely see plenty of chances on third downs.

But Hunt offers a familiar face and veteran depth as the organization chases another Lombardi Trophy.