The Chiefs' running back room looks a bit different than it did just around a month ago, when the 2024 season was just beginning.
After Isaiah Pacheco went down with an injury, later being placed on IR, Kansas City has had to turn to a variety of other options.
One of those options is Kareem Hunt, who recently signed with the Chiefs for his second stint with the team. However, Hunt's injury status has been in question as the Chiefs enter a "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Saints.
Here's what to know about Hunt's status for Week 5, a look at Kansas City's running back depth chart and Hunt's fantasy outlook moving forward.
MORE: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings | Week 5 NFL picks | Week 5 NFL picks against the spread
Is Kareem Hunt playing this week?
Hunt did not carry an injury tag in the Chiefs' Saturday injury report, meaning he's expected to play against the Saints in Week 5. Hunt was dealing with a shoulder injury, which resulted in him logging two limited practices this week before a full practice on Friday.
However, he looks good to go for Monday, and Arrowhead Pride reporter Pete Sweeney said Hunt told him he's "ready to rock."
Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt told me that his shoulder is good heading into Monday night’s game.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 5, 2024
“I’m not worried about it. Yeah. I’ll be ready to rock.”
Even though he's only weeks removed from signing with the team in the wake of Pacheco's injury, Hunt is likely to lead the way in Kansas City's backfield in Week 5.
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Chiefs RB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Isaiah Pacheco (IR) |
| 2 | Kareem Hunt |
| 3 | Samaje Perine |
| 4 | Carson Steele |
| 5 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire (doubtful) |
No. 1: Isaiah Pacheco
Pacheco is the Chiefs' unquestioned RB1 when he's healthy, but a fractured fibula recently forced Kansas City to place the running back on IR.
One of the game's most physical runners, Pacheco had 935 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns in 2023. For now though, the Chiefs have a variety of other names to fill Pacheco's void.
No. 2: Kareem Hunt
Hunt signed with the Chiefs after Pacheco's injury, looking to aid the running back room in a time of need. Originally drafted by Kansas City before later playing for the Browns, Hunt had 1,327 rushing yards in a Chiefs uniform in his 2017 rookie season.
Now 29 years old, Hunt looks to be the team's lead back for the time being. In Week 4, he led the way with 14 carries for 69 yards. The second-most carries by a Chiefs running back in that game came from Samaje Perine, who had five.
No. 3: Samaje Perine
Perine figures to be the pass-catching back in Kansas City's backfield for the time being, as its been a strength of his throughout his eight-year career.
Perine had a career-high 455 receiving yards with the Broncos last season. He'll continue to see playing time after Pacheco's injury, but mostly as a receiving threat.
No. 4: Carson Steele
Steele, a rookie, looked destined for a bigger role after Pacheco went down. However, Hunt's taken over the backfield after Steele lost his second fumble of the season against the Chargers last week.
In Week 3, Steele did log 17 carries for 72 yards against the Falcons, so Andy Reid may regain trust in his rookie running back eventually. For now though, he looks set to fill a depth role while he works on securing the football.
No. 5: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire is doubtful to play in Week 5 against the Saints. He's in the fifth year of his NFL career, all of them with the Chiefs, and has remained a backup option over the past few seasons.
If he is able to play on Monday, Edwards-Helaire likely won't see many snaps with the depth Kansas City already has at the position.
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Kareem Hunt fantasy outlook
Based on how the Chiefs managed their running back room against the Chargers, Hunt should be in line to start and earn the majority of the carries in Week 5. With how talented Kansas City's offense is, that should mean he'll have some open lanes and scoring opportunities, so he's a solid starting option in fantasy.
Because of the slight threats of Perine or Steele cutting into his playing time though, manage expectations about Hunt's production for the time being. He does seem likely to be the starter in a great offense, but Reid may value going to a committee as Pacheco heals from his injury.
For now, Hunt likely projects as a high-end RB3 or low-end RB2 as long as he continues to earn 15+ carries like he did in Week 4.
