Following running back Isiah Pacheco’s injury in Week 2, the Chiefs made a decision that many fans of the team never imagined would occur: they elected to reunite with former standout running back Kareem Hunt.
Before Week 4, Hunt even acknowledged that he “didn’t think [he would] end up back” in Kansas City. The seasoned ball carrier also disclosed that, as of September 25, he had not spoken with Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, but he expressed the aim of doing so shortly.
Head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have already openly endorsed Kareem Hunt’s progress as a person and a teammate since his return, despite Clark Hunt’s quiet. Superstar tight end Travis Kelce, who spoke highly of the younger Hunt during his Week 4 press conference on September 27, joined others in favor of the NFL player’s second opportunity.
“My brother from another, man,” Kelce began. “[Kareem Hunt is] a good old northeast Ohio ball player right there. He plays the game right, and he really is a good friend of mine.”
“He’s a great guy — outside of everything that happened,” the Chiefs TE continued, referencing Hunt’s domestic violence incident that led to his release in 2018. “I’ve always kind of had it in the back of my mind [that] I really hope he gets another chance, not only here but another chance in the league to start and sure enough, he got that chance.”
Kelce concluded that he’s “just happy” to have Hunt back in the building, and that it’s been “nothing but smiles and laughs” since the RB’s return.
Travis Kelce Says Kareem Hunt Has Been ‘Flying Around’ at Chiefs Practice
There were concerns about Hunt’s health and competence at age 29 when the first whispers of a reunion surfaced. Would the former 1,000-yard rusher benefit the offense more than veteran Samaje Perine or Carson Steele, an undrafted rookie?
In the unlikely event that Steele or Perine were hurt, Hunt should at the very least improve the Chiefs’ existing depth chart. But in 2024, will we witness a revived Hunt?
“He’s flying around, man. He looks like Kareem Hunt,” Kelce praised on September 27. Adding that what he’s seen from Hunt so far has been “exciting.”
Hunt will play for Kansas City in a game for the first time since 2018. It’s uncertain how many snaps he will get against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.
“I can’t wait to put on the Red again and go out there with these guys and put it all on the line for them,” Hunt said on September 25. “I envision going out there and whatever I’m asked to do, just do it at the highest level and help find a way to keep this winning going on around here.”
Chiefs Given Strong Odds vs. Banged up Chargers Team in Week 4
As of September 28, Heavy on NFL’s odd and projections produced by Quarter 4 indicate that the Chiefs have an 82% chance of winning in Los Angeles. A estimated spread of -10.5 is included in that.
Given that it’s a road game against a division foe with a 2-1 record, those chances might sound excessive on paper, but injuries are undoubtedly a part in these predictions.
Three players have already been ruled out by the Chargers, and top safety Derwin James will miss Week 4 due to a one-game suspension. Similar to this, edge rusher Joey Bosa and left tackle Rashawn Slater, two of the final three absences, are essential players.
In addition, five players are questionable: cornerback Kristian Fulton, wide receiver Derius Davis, right lineman Joe Alt, quarterback Justin Herbert, and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor. Of those five, three are likely to miss practice on Friday.
Herbert and Fulton, the other two, worked out on Friday. Prior to the crucial Week 4 match, Fulton completed a full practice while Herbert was “limited.”
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