Smith had zero carries during Monday's 31-10 win versus the Broncos.
Kenneth Walker saw a heavy workload in the win, while rookie Emmett Johnson recorded eight carries as his backup. Smith was a non-factor on offense, logging just three snaps on special teams. The backfield arrangement isn't expected to change while Walker and Johnson are healthy.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Beats out Demercado for roster spot
Rotowire
Smith is the third and final running back on the Chiefs' 53-man roster for the 2026 regular season, Matt McMullen of the team's official site reports.
Smith and Emari Demercado entered training camp battling for a depth spot on the Chiefs' active roster, but the former ended up winning that RB3 role behind Kenneth Walker and rookie fifth-rounder Emmett Johnson. Smith, a 2025 seventh-rounder, played in all 17 regular-season games in his rookie campaign, turning 44 carries into 151 yards (3.4 YPC) while catching 25 passes (on 35 targets) for 172 yards and a touchdown. Walker figures to be the bellcow running back for the Chiefs, but Smith could see the field on passing downs to give the former a breather.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Listed fourth on initial depth chart
Rotowire
Smith is listed as the No. 4 running back on the unofficial depth chart Kansas City released ahead of the preseason, Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star reports.
Smith has his work cut out for him to earn a role on offense, though the pecking order between Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson and Smith is far from set in stone behind lead back Kenneth Walker. Even if Smith fails to move up the depth chart, he has a decent chance of making the 53-man roster thanks to his contributions on special teams. General manager Brett Veach said that Smith "adds value as a dynamic speed element and his return game as a punt kick returner."
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Team signs Walker, Demercado at RB
Rotowire
Smith is expected to fill a complementary role alongside Emari Demercado behind Kenneth Walker in Kansas City's new-look backfield, Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star reports.
The Chiefs have parted ways with Isiah Pacheco and look unlikely to bring back Kareem Hunt, but Walker's expected to handle the bulk of the rushing workload after signing a three-year contract with the team, leaving Smith and the newly signed Demercado to compete for change-of-pace duties. Smith had 44 carries for 151 yards while adding 25 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown on 35 targets in 2025, showing some promising pass catching skills as a rookie seventh-round pick.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Gets chance as lead back
Rotowire
Smith rushed the ball 12 times for 56 yards in Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Raiders. He added two receptions on four targets for two yards.
Smith got the chance to serve as the lead back for the Chiefs due to Isiah Pacheco (rest) being sidelined. Smith led the team with 12 rushing attempts -- his highest mark since Week 7 -- and delivered solid chunk gains of 14, 10 and nine yards. He was not utilized much in his rookie season, but Smith's potential role in 2026 will be worth monitoring, as Kansas City is likely to remake its running back depth chart.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Nabs touchdown catch versus Broncos
Rotowire
Smith had zero carries and reeled in three of his four targets for five yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 20-13 loss to the Broncos.
Smith has seen a slight uptick in his snap share over the last couple of weeks, and it wouldn't be shocking if that's the case again in the season finale in Week 18 with Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. The rookie back hasn't proved a ton as a runner, averaging just under 3.0 yards per carry, but he's been a solid contributor as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 23 of his 31 targets for 170 yards and a touchdown in his inaugural NFL campaign. He'll have one more opportunity to add to that total before his rookie season expires.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Makes impact as receiver
Rotowire
Smith tallied one rush for five yards and hauled in three of four targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 23-20 overtime win against the Colts.
Smith remains a pass-catching option out of the backfield, akin to Jerick McKinnon in previous seasons, but he doesn't quite sport the same kind of upside just yet. Smith has made an impact as a receiver through 11 games, notching 19 grabs for 161 yards. However, he's averaged just 3.0 yards per carry on his 29 totes and firmly remains third in the backfield pecking order behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. As long as that duo remains healthy, Smith figures to remain a periphery piece for the Chiefs.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Limited role against Broncos
Rotowire
Smith caught two of three targets for eight yards and failed to record a single rushing attempt in Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Broncos.
Smith continued his role as the de facto No. 2 running back in Week 11 with Isiah Pacheco (knee) sidelined, but he was not a major part of the Chiefs' offensive plans in the contest. The rookie played 12 of Kansas City's 70 offensive snaps, while teammate Kareem Hunt dominated the backfield snap share with 56 snaps. Week 11 marked just the third time this season that Smith did not handle a single carry. Despite the Chiefs praising the SMU product for his playmaking ability earlier in the season, the team has not seemed committed to using him more in Pacheco's absence. Smith remains difficult to trust for fantasy purposes, even if Pacheco remains sidelined for a Week 12 matchup against the Colts.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Sleeper RBs
Rotowire
Kareem Hunt played through an ankle injury in Week 7 against Las Vegas, and the Chiefs beat the Raiders 31-0. That helped Smith get a season-high 14 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 42 yards on five targets. We don't know Hunt's status yet for Week 8 against the Commanders, but Smith might get additional playing time in tandem with Isiah Pacheco, especially if Kansas City is playing with another big lead at home. Along with that, Smith has four games in a row with at least three receptions, and he scored at least 5.1 PPR points in each outing. I like Smith as a flex option in all leagues on Monday night.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Week 9 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Isiah Pacheco (knee) is considered week-to-week, which is a boost for Kareem Hunt and Smith. I would expect Hunt to be the primary running back with Pacheco out, but Smith should get an uptick in playing time and production, which could make him a flex play in the majority of leagues. While sharing touches with Pacheco and Hunt, Smith had already scored at least 5.1 PPR points in five of his past six games heading into Week 9. That number should increase, and Smith could help Fantasy managers for as long as Pacheco is out. Smith is worth adding in all leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Week 8 Adds (RB Preview)
Rotowire
Smith has yet to get going on the ground but he already has at least three catches in four of his last five games and should see an increase in snaps if Isiah Pacheco is out. The Bills are giving up 5.26 yards per carry to running backs and they have given up nine rushing touchdowns to the position, the second most in the league.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Trio of carries Monday night
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Week 8 Adds (RB Preview)
Rotowire
Smith played a season-high 34.6% of the offensive snaps in a Week 7 blowout, and the Chiefs are once again double-digit point favorites. He has been legitimately good as a receiver, averaging 8.7 yards per reception, and could have some long-term upside if he gets more comfortable running between the tackles.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Recovered from illness
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Nabs three passes
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Four touches against Jaguars
Rotowire
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Week 5 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Smith had a season-high four carries in Week 4 against Baltimore for 9 yards and three catches for 27 yards on four targets. The Chiefs tried to get Smith involved early against the Ravens, but he didn't do anything spectacular. That said, he could be in line for more work with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt struggling, and Smith is worth stashing in deeper leagues for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Handles two carries against Giants
Rotowire
Smith rushed twice for 13 yards and failed to reel in his lone target in Sunday's 22-9 win over the Giants.
Smith played just eight of the Chiefs' 72 offensive snaps, well behind both Isiah Pacheco (40) and Kareem Hunt (32). The rookie running back continues to be mostly an afterthought in Kansas City's struggling offense, however the struggles of both Pacheco and Hunt could eventually lead to more playing time for the dynamic SMU product. At the moment, however, it appears the Chiefs coaching staff wants the veterans to handle the majority of the backfield work with a near even split, capping the potential upside of all three backs. Smith will look to get more involved in Week 3 when the Chiefs host the Ravens.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Contributes in return game
Rotowire
Smith returned two kickoffs for 63 yards during Kansas City's 27-21 loss to the Chargers on Friday night.
Smith impressed in the return game Week 1, but the rookie seventh-round pick wasn't called upon to handle any actual carries, and he played just eight percent of offensive snaps. Still, it's encouraging to Smith's prospects that Elijah Mitchell was a healthy scratch Friday. Smith figures to operate as the No. 3 running back behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt again in Week 2 against the Eagles.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Brashard Smith: Five touches to open preseason
Rotowire
Smith (finger) rushed four times for 10 yards and brought in his only target for minus-6 yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night.
The rookie seventh-round pick has an uphill battle for a roster spot, but considering his 1,332-yard season at SMU last season, there's some intriguing potential. Smith led the Chiefs in carries on a night where a total of seven non-quarterbacks logged at least one rush attempt. Smith will continue his quest to make an impression during the Chiefs' second preseason game, which comes Friday night on the road against the Seahawks.
