Chiefs’ New RB Kareem Hunt Will Sit Out Against Falcons

Kansas City, Mo. – Running back Kareem Hunt, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad earlier this week, will not be participating in Sunday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, according to head coach Andy Reid.

Reid stated, “We’ll see how it goes next week and see where he is at,” adding that Hunt benefited from getting a lot of practice reps this week with the scout team. “He did well. He’s in decent shape now. He’s got to have an opportunity to play a football game somewhere to tell you the rest, but he came in in good shape, so that’s a plus.”

With Hunt not available, the Chiefs will rely on undrafted rookie Carson Steele, veteran Samaje Perine, and Keaontay Ingram, who has been promoted from the practice squad, to handle running back duties against the Falcons. The Chiefs signed Hunt to their practice squad following the injury of Isiah Pacheco, who suffered a broken fibula and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.

The Chiefs originally drafted Hunt in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the same year they selected quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hunt had a standout rookie season, leading the league with 1,327 rushing yards, catching 53 passes, and scoring 11 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, his promising career took a turn in 2018 when disturbing video footage emerged showing him pushing a woman outside his home. As a result, the NFL placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list, and the Chiefs released him after stating he had not been completely honest when they inquired about the incident.

After parting ways with the Chiefs, Hunt spent the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, his hometown team. His most productive year with the Browns was in 2020, where he rushed for 841 yards and caught 38 passes.

In the most recent season, Hunt’s performance saw him rush for 411 yards and make 15 receptions. Now, he faces the challenge of reintegrating into the NFL with the Chiefs, a team where he experienced significant early success.

As he prepares for future opportunities with the Chiefs, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Hunt can regain his prior form in the coming weeks. His experience and talent could be crucial for the Chiefs as they navigate the remainder of the season without Pacheco.