In the wake of Isiah Pacheco‘s broken fibula, the Chiefs turned to a familiar face in the backfield. Kareem Hunt signed with Kansas City shortly after a workout. 
Hunt joined the team’s practice squad, a move which has become increasingly popular in recent years amongst veterans who land in-season deals. The 29-year-old was not called up to the active roster as a gameday elevation, meaning he will not suit up tonight. Still, he figures to have a role in short order on his former team, one which released him in 2018 following the emergence of a video detailing a domestic violence incident.
Hunt quickly landed a new opportunity the following season when he signed with his hometown Browns. The former third-rounder spent five seasons in Cleveland, similarly inking a deal ahead of Week 3 last season once Nick Chubb was lost due to injury. He rushed for nine touchdowns in 2023 but logged the lowest snap share (31%) of his career, making it little surprise the team moved on. With his off-field issues in the past, the Chiefs authorized a comeback while eyeing backfield depth.
“We just thought he needed a change of scenery and get some help and take care of business there and we felt like he did that,” head coach Andy Reid said when addressing the Hunt deal (via ESPN’s Adam Teicher). “He did a nice job in Cleveland, and we talked to the people there and there were no issues there, so we felt OK by bringing him back… It looks like he’s grown up. I think people deserve a second chance if they’ve done something to work on the first part of it.”
Pacheco is on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games. It would come as no surprise if he were to miss more time than that, however, so a committee approach could be in order for the foreseeable future. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the on the reserve/non-football illness list and cannot be activated until at least Week 5. Kansas City will therefore rely heavily on undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran pass-catcher Samaje Perine until Pacheco returns.
Hunt could emerge as a figure in that respect as well once he finds himself on the active roster. The Toledo product led the league in rushing yards as a rookie, and he topped 1,100 scrimmage yards twice more. His efficiency has taken a dip recently, so expectations will be tempered during his second Chiefs stint. An impressive season could nevertheless boost his market on another Kansas City deal or an outside deal during the spring.