Chiefs could to turn to rookie to fix major problem

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to give a rookie more responsibility as the offense struggles to run the ball in the early season. 

In their first two games, the Chiefs have rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has 123 of those yards and both touchdowns. 

Per Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Chiefs are expected to feature seventh-round pick Brashard Smith more on offense amid the struggles of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

"Don't be surprised if at some point soon rookie Brashard Smith gets a shot," wrote Graziano. "The Chiefs view him as a different kind of back than those two -- more of a receiver type who can make explosive plays in space.

Once they trust the rookie to handle all of the running back responsibilities, he could be a factor in their offense. They were very impressed with him in camp."

The Kansas City Chiefs have a backfield problem

Smith has two yards on one carry this season. He has yet to catch a pass. 

Pacheco has just 47 rushing yards on 15 carries and 10 yards receiving. Hunt has 47 rushing yards on 13 carries and 13 yards receiving.

The Chiefs need better production from their backfield, especially with wide receiver Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension and receiver Xavier Worthy dealing with a torn labrum.

Smith earned first-team All-ACC honors for SMU in 2024 when he rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 327 yards receiving with four touchdowns.

Given the lack of production from Pacheco and Hunt, the Chiefs should give Smith a chance to develop in Week 3 against a New York Giants defense that has allowed a league-worst average of 177.5 rushing yards per game.