Chiefs' Kareem Hunt: Increased workload on tap Sunday
Rotowire
Hunt is expected to experience a bump in snaps and touches Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) unavailable for the contest, ESPN.com reports.
Pacheco was diagnosed with an MCL sprain after he took a hit to the side of his right knee in the fourth quarter of Monday's 28-7 win against the Commanders. He'll miss at least one contest as a result of the injury, and Hunt is the next player up in the Chiefs backfield. Having said that, Hunt has maxed out at 13 carries in a given game this season, while his snap share has topped out at 44 percent. Rookie seventh-round pick Brashard Smith and possibly Elijah Mitchell are candidates to mix in if Kansas City continues to limit Hunt's workload.
Hunt is expected to get most of the carries Sunday at Buffalo in the absence of teammate Isiah Pacheco (knee), ESPN's Nate Taylor reports.
Brashard Smith will have a role, and Elijah Mitchell may even get some work, but Hunt figures to take many/most of the carries that had been going to Pacheco. Adding those on top of the work he already gets -- which includes short-yardage situations -- should put Hunt in a valuable role, projecting for double-digit touches and solid odds to score a touchdown. A huge yardage total is unlikely, but potential TDs offer a path to upside that makes Hunt a sold lineup option for Week 9.
Hunt (ankle/knee) rushed nine times for 40 yards and a touchdown while taking his only reception for a two-yard score in Monday's 28-7 win over Washington.
Hunt overcame a pair of minor injuries and a limited practice week in order to suit up for Monday's primetime tilt. The 29-year-old rewarded steadfast managers with his second multi-score performance this season. Isiah Pacheco (12-58-0) led the team in rushing yards, but Hunt's pair of scores lifted the veteran to the superior fantasy line. With five total touchdowns to Pacheco's one, Hunt should continue being the favored back near the opponent's goal line for Sunday's road tilt against Buffalo.
Chiefs' Kareem Hunt: Officially cleared for Week 8
Rotowire
Hunt (ankle/knee) does not carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Commanders.
Hunt didn't practice Thursday due to ankle and knee injuries, but he was able to log a full session Saturday to fade an injury tag heading into Monday night's contest. Hunt has logged 53 carries for 205 yards and three touchdowns while adding seven catches (on eight targets) for 55 yards through seven regular-season games.
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Chiefs' Kareem Hunt: Expected to play vs. Washington
Rotowire
Head coach Andy Reid said Saturday that Hunt (ankle/knee) is expected to play against the Commanders on Monday, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.
Hunt was back at practice Friday and Saturday after missing Thursday's session, and it appears the veteran running back will be available for Week 8 after working through ankle and knee injuries. Hunt and Isiah Pacheco will continue to serve as the Chiefs' one-two punch out of the backfield while rookie Brashard Smith provides depth.
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Chiefs' Kareem Hunt: Upgrades to limited Friday
Rotowire
Hunt (ankle/knee) was a limited participant at practice Friday.
Hunt's now listed with an ankle injury in addition to a knee injury, but on a positive note, he practiced in some capacity Friday after being a non-participant Thursday. The Chiefs will post their final injury report Saturday for Monday's game against the Commanders. If Hunt's limited or unavailable, rookie Brashard Smith could take on a larger role alongside Isiah Pacheco.
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Chiefs' Kareem Hunt: Not practicing Thursday
Rotowire
Hunt (knee) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.
Per McMullen, Hunt is dealing with a bone bruise to his knee. The running back now has two more chances to practice in advance of Monday's game against the Commanders. If Hunt is limited or sidelined in Week 8, added snaps would be available for Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith, while Elijah Mitchell -- a healthy inactive in recent weeks -- could also rejoin the Chiefs' backfield mix.
Hunt rushed the ball four times for 18 yards in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Raiders.
Hunt served strictly in a relief role to Isiah Pacheco for much of the first half, logging four carries to Pacheco's eight. Hunt also suffered an apparent leg or ankle injury on a touchdown by Rashee Rice midway through the first quarter. He was able to retake the field, but the Chiefs ultimately may have opted to lessen his workload as a precaution in the blowout game script.
