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The Kansas City Chiefs have more than bounced back after their sluggish start to the year, quickly climbing the ranks of the AFC with an ever-improving offense. While quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the passing game back on track with the return of Rashee Rice from his six-game suspension, the running game still leaves something to be desired. Despite some improvement over the last few weeks, the general underperformance and uncertainty of Isaih Pacheco’s injury could lead the team to make a big move before the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Chiefs Could Add Versatile Veteran If the Chiefs aim to give their backfield a big boost, they can make a run at New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. They would likely be able to land him for a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick — somewhere in the range of a fourth-rounder — and help both the rushing and passing games. Kamara has been one of the NFL’s most versatile running backs, despite never topping the 1,000-yard plateau and only twice eclipsing 900 yards. He also has 600 receptions for 4,909yards and 25 receiving touchdowns. Kamara would help lessen the burden on Mahomes, who has been one of the team’s most effective rushers and led the team in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Landing him may not be easy, however. Kamara has expressed a desire to stay with the Saints despite the team’s struggles this season. “I think I’ve been vocal enough that … I don’t want to go anywhere,” Kamara said, via ESPN. “And I said it countless times, y’all know that. I think everybody knows that. The fan base knows that. And at the end of the day, it’s business.” Chiefs Missing Top Running Back While Kamara would not be able to join the Chiefs for some time if the team did pull off a trade, they may need some immediate help for this weekend’s showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Pacheco was hurt in the team’s 28-7 win over the Washington Commanders and is expected to miss this weekend’s game, with the potential for more missed games down the line. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that the Chiefs are expecting Pacheco to take some time to recover. “Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco, who left Monday night’s win with a knee injury, is considered week-to-week with an MCL sprain, per sources,” Pelissero’s tweet revealed. The Chiefs will likely hand a bigger role to veteran back Kareem Hunt, who finished with nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. The team could also give more carries to rookie Brashard Smith, who who has 25 carries for 75 yards and 14 receptions for 122 yards this season.
