Chiefs not worried about offensive star carrying the load – especially with help soon on the way
Running back Kareem Hunt has been the workhorse of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense since returning to the team back in September. Hunt has 139 total touches since Week 4, an average of 23 per game. Had he played in all 10 games this season, he would lead the NFL in touches if he maintained […]
Running back Kareem Hunt has been the workhorse of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense since returning to the team back in September.
Hunt has 139 total touches since Week 4, an average of 23 per game. Had he played in all 10 games this season, he would lead the NFL in touches if he maintained that average throughout. That's a heavy workload for a running back, especially one who is 29-years-old.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid was asked about Hunt's workload on Friday, and he did not seem at all concern about Hunt's ability to hold up physically.
"So, we threw him the ball a bit more this past week," Reid said about Hunt's game against the Denver Broncos in Week 11. "They (the Broncos) were doing a good job inside, just kind of shutting off the run game, part of it. And so, we ended up getting him the ball. We would like to get him the ball, whatever way we can get him the ball. He's a good player. He's doing well for just coming off the couch. He's like, second in the league for the number of games he's played on carries and yards. So, I mean, he's doing a heck of a job, and he wants more. So, he's not asking to come out. That's not quite how he's wired. He's doing well."
Hunt being fresh and not having played since January has allowed the Chiefs to give him a significant workload. They haven't really had much of a choice given the lack of quality depth behind him and the inconsistencies of the passing game. As for how Hunt himself is feeling, he told reporters that he knows how to take care of himself throughout the week to allow him to carry the load.
"I mean, honestly, I just take it day by day," Hunt said about his conditioning. "You know, at this point the season, I don't think really anybody's feeling great or at their best, but, you know, I have to stay on top of it. You know, stay in the training room, get in rehab and got to stay on it."
Hunt was then asked about the pending return of Isiah Pacheco.
"I think that's great, man," Hunt said. "I'm happy for him, and I know he's excited to get back and, you know, get out there. I think we're going to be a heck of a one-two punch."
Hunt went on to say that he could envision himself and Pacheco being a dynamic duo similar to the one he had with Nick Chubb during his time with the Cleveland Browns.
"I think it could be very similar," Hunt said. "Man, I'm excited. You know, I'm used to working with other great backs and stuff like that. So, you know, I feel like it's going to be another great one-two punch."
When Pacheco returns, which could be anytime after the Chiefs' Week 11 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Hunt's workload will be decreased. That will allow both Hunt and Pacheco to remain fresh, which will be a big plus for the Chiefs' offense. Hunt and Pacheco are similar backs, so the offense won't need to change depending on which one of them are in the game.
Chiefs’ final injury report confirms key playmaker should return for Week 11 tilt with Bills
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have released their final injury reports for Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season.
