Kareem Hunt Reunites with Kansas City

The injury to Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco has set off a flurry of speculation about potential replacements. After several names were floated, we now have an answer: former Chiefs draft pick Kareem Hunt has signed a deal to rejoin the team. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Hunt will initially join Kansas City's practice squad, but it's expected that he'll contribute soon.

Hunt, who was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact during his rookie season, amassing over 1,800 scrimmage yards and scoring 11 total touchdowns. However, his time with the Chiefs was cut short due to off-field legal issues, which led to his release. The Cleveland Browns picked him up, and over the next five seasons, he served as a valuable complementary back to Nick Chubb.

Now, in his eighth NFL season, Hunt is coming full circle by returning to Kansas City. At 29, there are questions about what Hunt can contribute at this stage of his career. Still, his physical, downhill running style will complement the Chiefs' backfield, particularly with Samaje Perine being more of a receiving threat out of the backfield. Hunt's ability to pass protect will also be a valuable asset for head coach Andy Reid, providing extra protection for Patrick Mahomes.

While Hunt strengthens what had been a weakened running back corps, he may not be ready for this week's matchup against the Chargers. Reid will assess how quickly Hunt can adapt to the offense, but it's likely we'll see him take the field soon. The Chiefs will face the undefeated Chargers at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, in what promises to be an exciting divisional showdown.