In the wake of Isiah PachecoDue to the broken fibula, the Chiefs relied on a familiar face in the backfield. Kareem Hunt signed with Kansas City shortly after a training session.

Hunt joined the team’s practice squad, a move that has become increasingly popular in recent years with veterans signing midseason contracts. The 29-year-old was not called up to the active roster as a game-day raise, meaning he will not play tonight. Still, he will soon have a role to play with his former team, which released him in 2018 after a video surfaced of a domestic violence incident.

Hunt quickly got another chance the following season when he signed with his hometown Browns. The former third-round pick spent five seasons in Cleveland and also signed a contract before Week 3 last season when Nick Chubb was out due to injury. He ran for nine touchdowns in 2023 but posted the lowest snap percentage (31%) of his career, so it was little surprise that the team moved on. Given his past off-the-field issues, the Chiefs approved a comeback while keeping an eye on the depth of the backfield.

“We just thought he needed a change of scenery, some help and to take care of his business there, and we felt that he did that,” Head Coach Andy Reid he said when addressing the Hunt deal (via ESPN’s Adam Teicher). “He did a good job in Cleveland. We talked to the people there and there were no problems. So we had no problem bringing him back… He looks like he’s grown up. I think people deserve a second chance if they’ve done something to rework the first part.”

Pacheco is on the injured list, meaning he will miss at least four games, but it would not be a surprise if he were out longer, so a committee approach may be in order for the foreseeable future. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is on the reserve/non-football illness list and cannot be activated until Week 5. Kansas City will therefore rely heavily on undrafted rookies. Carson Steele and experienced pass catcher Samaje Perine until Pacheco comes back.

Hunt could be an important piece in that regard, too, once he’s on the active roster. The Toledo product led the league in rushing yards as a rookie and topped 1,100 scrimmage yards twice. His efficiency has slipped recently, so expectations will be muted during his second stint with the Chiefs. An impressive season could still boost his market value in another Kansas City deal or an outside deal in the spring.