Kareem Hunt Returns to Kansas City: Chiefs Sign Pro Bowl Running Back to Practice Squad

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed running back Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, marking a return to the team that drafted him in 2017. Hunt’s signing comes after starting running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fibula injury that will keep him out for six to eight weeks.

Hunt, 29, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 after leading the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie. He spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns before being cut in 2018 after a video surfaced of him kicking a woman in a hotel. Despite his off-field issues, Hunt has consistently produced on the field, totaling 2,285 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 4.0 yards-per-carry average in Cleveland.

In 2023, Hunt split time with Jerome Ford after Nick Chubb’s season-ending knee injury, running for 411 yards and a career-high nine rushing touchdowns. While his yards-per-carry average was a career-low 3.0, Hunt remains a talented and experienced back who can contribute to the Chiefs’ offense.

Once Hunt gets reacquainted with head coach Andy Reid’s playbook, he will split time in the Chiefs backfield with veteran Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele. Hunt’s return to Kansas City provides a boost to the team’s running game and helps alleviate the loss of Pacheco.

The Chiefs’ decision to sign Hunt to the practice squad allows them to ease him back into the lineup while also providing depth and experience to their backfield. As Hunt gets up to speed, he will likely play a key role in the Chiefs’ offense, providing a familiar and talented option for Reid and the team’s quarterbacks.