Copyright yardbarker
It's looking more and more likely that Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt will have to step into a starting role in place of Isiah Pacheco in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills. Pacheco will miss the team's first practice of the week after suffering a knee injury late in the Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders. After an MRI, it was revealed that Pacheco sustained a sprained MCL and would be considered week-to-week in his recovery. While Chiefs HC Andy Reid does not believe this will be a long-term injury for Pacheco, they'll likely be cautious with it, knowing that Pop just started to get back to himself after his leg injury in 2024. That sets up Hunt with an opportunity to retake the lead running back role in Kansas City for the time being, fresh off a two-touchdown performance in Week 8. He started eight regular-season games in place of Pacheco in 2024, and says he'll be ready to take the lion's share of carries in Week 9. "Yeah, most definitely," Hunt told reporters on Wednesday. "I love the game of football. So, we got some other guys, too, who can make plays. So, definitely ready for whatever I'm asked to do." Asked if Hunt was better-suited for the lead role in 2025 compared to a season ago, Chiefs HC Andy Reid pointed to one specific aspect of his preparedness. "I'd say he's in better shape," Reid said of Hunt on Wednesday. "I'd say just overall better shape. Not that he was in terrible shape before, but he's had a year to do it and kind of get back in the swing after having a little bit of a layoff." In a split backfield role alongside Isiah Pacheco, Hunt is in the midst of his most productive season since 2021. He's averaging 4.0 yards per carry on an average of eight rushing attempts per game, boasting five total touchdowns on the season and 28 first downs. Short yardage situations have been his specialty, but he's certainly prepared to take on more of the workload in Week 9, with some recent success against Buffalo. Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt has had recent success as the lead running back vs. Bills One of the eight regular-season games that Kareem Hunt started for Kansas City in 2024 was against Buffalo. In fact, Hunt played two games against the Bills last season, averaging four yards per carry. Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt's 2024 Rushing Stats vs. Bills: Week 11: 14 carries for 60 yards and no touchdowns AFC Championship Game: 17 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown This is a different Buffalo team, featuring different players on defense. But the Bills are allowing the second-most yards per carry on defense (5.5) and have tied for the second-most rushing touchdowns allowed this season with 10. It all sets up for a big game for Hunt, who knows exactly what to expect when the team travels to Orchard Park, New York, to face the Bills at Highmark Stadium this weekend."I know it's going to be like a playoff atmosphere," Hunt said. "And Buffalo is a good team, and they have a good fan base out there. So, it's gonna be one of those things we're going to have to really lock in and be on the same page."Asked specifically about the Chiefs' regular-season game in Buffalo, where they lost 31-20, Hunt recalled a few notable aspects."I remember a tough game, man," Hunt said. "It was loud. The fans ran to it, and just a lot of back and forth, man. And it's one of those games that you've got to come ready to play."
