Smith is poised for more work Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) ruled out for that contest, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.
Pacheco wasn't able to practice this week due to the right MCL sprain that he sustained during Monday's win against the Commanders. Kareem Hunt is the obvious player to help fill the void in Pacheco's absence, but Smith also should benefit in what has been mostly a two-pronged Chiefs backfield this season. While Smith hasn't been very productive on the ground through the first eight games of his career (25 carries for 75 yards), the rookie seventh-round pick has hauled in 14 of 18 targets for 122 yards. He's also still in search of his first TD as a pro.
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Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Trio of carries Monday night
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Smith accrued three rushes for eight yards during Monday's 28-7 win against the Commanders.
Smith remains a depth back for the Chiefs, but his lack of involvement as a receiver out of the backfield is a bit disappointing. Monday's effort marks the first time since Week 1 that Smith wasn't targeted and the first time since Week 3 that he didn't record a reception. The rookie back played just nine offensive snaps Monday but could see a bit more run should Isiah Pacheco's MCL injury cost him some time.
Smith carried 14 times for 39 yards and hauled in all five targets for 42 yards during Sunday's 31-0 win against the Raiders.
Smith logged more than four totes for the first time in his career Sunday, and he didn't really prove he's worthy of more, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. The increased workload was likely a direct result of the contest turning into a laugher relatively early; the Chiefs took a 21-0 lead into halftime and led 31-0 after the third quarter. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt remain squarely ahead of Smith in the pecking order, but Smith's receiving skills have allowed him to carve out a role in the backfield.
Smith (illness) was a full participant in practice Thursday.
Smith didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness but was back at full speed the following day. He's a distant third option in Kansas City's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, contributing primarily as a pass catcher in the few snaps Smith sees. That role is unlikely to change Sunday against the Raiders.
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Misses practice due to illness
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Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Smith (illness) will not practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the team's official site reports.
Smith didn't record a rush attempt during Kansas City's win over the Lions in Week 6, though he did secure three of four targets for 21 yards. The rookie seventh-round pick has played exactly six offensive snaps in back-to-back games. Smith will still have two more opportunities to get back on the practice field ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, though if he were to miss any time it would likely pave the way for Elijah Mitchell to make his regular-season debut as a reserve backfield option behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
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Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Nabs three passes
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Smith didn't record a carry but reeled in three of his four targets for 21 yards during Sunday's 30-17 victory versus Detroit.
Smith claimed just six total offensive snaps in this contest and has totaled double-digit offensive snaps just once all season. He remains a reliable weapon as a receiver out of the backfield, handling three catches in each of the last three tilts, but he failed to register a carry Sunday for the first time since the season opener versus the Chargers. Smith converted from wide receiver to running back late in his career at SMU, so it shouldn't be shocking that he excels in the receiving department. The rookie primarily remains a speculative hold in dynasty formats at this juncture.
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Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Four touches against Jaguars
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Smith carried the ball once for four yards and caught all three of his targets for 32 yards in Monday's 31-28 loss to the Jaguars.
Smith played just six of the Chiefs 64 offensive snaps Monday, behind both Isiah Pacheco (40) and Kareem Hunt (21). The coaching staff has made an effort to give the rookie more opportunities, though his minimal playing time is limiting his ability to truly make a difference on the stat sheet. It is encouraging, however, that Smith saw four touches in his six snaps, showing that the coaching staff is making an effort to get him involved. The SMU product's playmaking ability and pass-catching skills should continue to earn him more playing time as the season goes on, especially with both Pacheco and Hunt struggling to get much going on the ground. Smith will have his next opportunity to take a step forward in Kansas City's offense when the Chiefs host the Lions in Week 6.
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Displays versatility in Week 4
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Smith accrued four rushes for nine yards and reeled in three of four targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 37-20 win against Baltimore.
Smith's 19 offensive snaps represent the most he's seen through four games as a rookie, though the blowout nature of the contest certainly played a hand in Smith's increased workload. Three of Smith's four carries occurred in the fourth quarter of Sunday's tilt with the game well in hand. However, the rookie back also logged three catches on four targets. All of those targets came in the first half, suggesting the wideout-turned-running back from SMU may claim a slightly larger role on receiving downs moving forward.
