Patrick Mahomes facing crisis: Who will be the Chiefs’ RB1 after Pacheco’s devastating injury?

The Chiefs backfield has a huge question mark around it heading into Week 3

The Chiefs will play the Falcons in Week 3LAPRESSE

The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0 after a thrilling win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but their backfield is now in crisis after losing starting running back Isiah Pacheco to a fractured fibula. This injury leaves the Chiefs scrambling for a solution, and the question now looms: Who will be Patrick Mahomes’ new RB1?

Brittany Mahomes makes Patrick Mahomes uncomfortable at surprise birthday partyParker Johnson

Pacheco‘s injury, sustained late in the game, is expected to sideline him for at least six weeks. Without Pacheco, the Chiefs are down to just two healthy running backs-Samaje Perine and undrafted rookie Carson Steele-neither of whom has been a consistent three-down starter in the NFL. To complicate matters further, backup Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still out with a non-football illness and won’t return until Week 5 at the earliest.

Kareem Hunt joins the Chiefs’ practice squad

In response to this growing concern, the Chiefs signed veteran running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, raising hopes that he could soon be promoted to the active roster. Hunt, a former Pro Bowler, returns to Kansas City after leading the NFL in rushing during his rookie season in 2017. However, his time with the Chiefs was cut short due to off-field issues, leading to his release in 2018.

Hunt spent the past five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he played a secondary role behind Nick Chubb. Though his numbers from the 2023 season aren’t eye-popping-411 rushing yards and nine touchdowns-his experience and familiarity with the Chiefs’ system make him a valuable asset as the team looks to stabilize their backfield.

Now that Hunt is back, the possibility of him becoming Patrick Mahomes’ go-to running back is very real. However, Hunt will first need to prove himself worthy of a promotion to the active roster. Until then, the Chiefs are relying on their remaining options.

Chiefs’ current RB depth

Samaje Perine and Carson Steele will likely carry the load for now. Perine, known for his third-down skills, is expected to feature more in passing situations. Steele, on the other hand, is a between-the-tackles runner and has already seen more carries in the first two games of the season. Still, neither has proven themselves as a reliable RB1, leaving questions about how the Chiefs’ offense will fare in the coming weeks.

The Chiefs also have potential practice squad call-ups, such as Keaontay Ingram or Emani Bailey, but none have the experience Hunt brings to the table. The team is clearly hoping that Hunt’s return will provide stability while they await the return of both Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire.

Can Hunt reclaim his role as RB1?

While Hunt’s signing is a step toward addressing Kansas City’s backfield concerns, it’s unclear if he can recapture the form that once made him the league’s leading rusher. With his time in Cleveland marked by injuries and a secondary role, Hunt will need to prove that he still has the explosiveness to lead an NFL rushing attack.

Nonetheless, Hunt’s return is a major storyline for Kansas City. His familiarity with the team and experience could make him the perfect fit to lead the Chiefs’ ground game in the absence of Pacheco. If promoted from the practice squad, Hunt could quickly become Patrick Mahomes’ go-to back.

The Chiefs’ backfield remains a question mark, but the addition of Kareem Hunt adds an intriguing layer to the situation. Whether Hunt becomes Patrick Mahomes’ new RB1 or Samaje Perine and Carson Steele step up, Kansas City must quickly find a solution to maintain their offensive balance. With Pacheco out and Edwards-Helaire still sidelined, the pressure is on for the Chiefs to keep their running game afloat.