'He's making plays happen' — Kansas City Chiefs know they've got something special cooking with rookie RB Brashard Smith

Kansas City Chiefs RB Brashard Smith is coming off the best performance of his young career in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and things are only looking up from here.

Smith had 81 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches in the 31-0 win, boasting a perfect night in the passing game. He got some valuable experience as a runner in the fourth quarter with over a dozen carries, which is more than twice as many as he's had in a single NFL game. Even though it was a blowout that featured a lot of action from Smith during garbage time, it also felt like the type of breakout he needed to earn further trust and opportunities on offense.

So, what could the rest of Smith's 2025 NFL Season look like from here on out?

Chiefs rookie RB Brashard Smith is progressing perfectly in Kansas City

Speaking to media members this week, Chiefs HC Andy Reid was asked about Smith's progress to this point. It's been a frequent question for the head coach, who insists Smith must add more strength to unlock his complete skill set. That's a task for the offseason, though. For now, Reid expects Smith to continue growing each week, becoming increasingly involved in the offense.

“He’s (Brashard Smith) done a nice job of picking it up," Reid said on Thursday. "That position, you’ve got to know the pass game, the run game, and then you have these protections that you’ve got to take care of. They get a little crazy – the protections do, with all the different looks that defenses are throwing at you. Then also as many protections as we have – different types of protections we have. He’s hung right in there and done a good job. We’ve been able to give him a little more each week in different roles. We’re moving him all over the place. I wouldn’t see that part changing. We’re going to keep utilizing his talents. (He’s a) hard worker and all of that. The intangible stuff is great.”

Smith has been a bit of an afterthought in the running game, recording just 67 yards on 22 carries this season. That's alright when Isiah Pacheco is averaging 4.1 yards per carry and Kareem Hunt is averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Where Smith has been overwhelmingly effective is in the passing game, recording 14 receptions on 18 targets for 122 yards. That comes out to 8.7 yards per reception on average. He's also quietly become one of the league's best kick returners, which isn't something that has gone unnoticed by his teammates.

Chiefs RB Brashard Smith's 2025 Snap Breakdown

• Offensive snaps through 7 weeks: 80
• Special Teams snaps through 7 weeks: 25

“He’s (Brashard Smith) made a ton of progress," Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said. "He’ll continue to get better and better. (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s offense is as hard, especially for that running back position, because you have to do so many things as far as running, catching, blocking, and all the different things. He’s been a sponge, man. He’s been learning a ton, and whenever he gets his opportunity, he’s making plays happen. I think he’s just another weapon in this offense, and he’ll continue to get more and more snaps. And then he’s done a great job in special teams as well, which I think gets lost in the fold of things, which is huge on our team.”

With both Reid and Mahomes entrusting Smith with more opportunities, it's natural to expect more. However, the rookie isn't too worried about his workload and getting more touches. Right now, he's aiming to learn and prepare as he has been, with the primary goal of putting the team first.

“I think I'm in an okay spot," Smith told reporters on Saturday. "I'm just doing what I have to do. I'm doing my job. I'm not really worried about doing too much. Just doing my job and just staying humble and staying focused. And just worry about the main thing, which is to win. I just want to help the team win.”