The Kansas City Chiefs have several big problems that have contributed to a 2-3 start ahead of a battle against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. One of the biggest problems that head coach Andy Reid & Co. need to solve right away, especially if they want to beat the Lions, is the anemic rushing attack.
Through five weeks, quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the lead rusher for the Chiefs, with 190 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco combine for an average of 4.0 yards per carry, and rookie Brashard Smith has yet to be unleashed by the coaching staff.
Understandably, there have been a lot of calls for a trade for an upgrade in the RB room among the Chiefs Kingdom, with one of the top targets being the New Orleans Saints' Alvin Kamara. Although the five-time Pro Bowler hasn't been putting up the same numbers he was putting up earlier in his career behind the Saints' poor offensive line, he should have more juice than Pacheco and Hunt.
Considering that the Saints are not going anywhere, are in the middle of a rebuild, and are an expensive team, many thought that they would be willing to move on from their star rusher. With that being said, the latest Kamara-related news is something the Chiefs can't gloss over.
Chiefs Must Keep a Close Eye on RB Alvin Kamara Situation
On Wednesday, New Orleans Football's Nick Underhill reported that Kamara suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of practice. Even though he categorized it as "day-to-day" and nothing too serious, it's something the Chiefs should be closely monitoring.
For starters, Kamara is already 30 years old. An age-related decline will continue to happen, and being banged up, especially when it's an ankle where the potential to re-aggravate is high, only increases that risk.
On the other hand, this could make the Saints more likely to trade Kamara, while also reducing the asking price. The Chiefs could get a discount on a talented veteran if they deem the injury concerns to not be too serious.
Or maybe it's wiser for the Chiefs to target a rusher with fewer question marks surrounding his age and injury. The New York Jets' Breece Hall would obviously be a dream addition, but someone like the Cleveland Browns' Jerome Ford or the Chicago Bears' Roschon Johnson as lower-end options could also be considered by general manager Brett Veach.
Running back is a replaceable position, and the Chiefs will have their options to potentially upgrade at the deadline, but they can't afford to make a mistake now that they are behind the eight-ball following a 2-3 start. It'll be interesting to see if they view Kamara as a potential solution or not in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 4 trade deadline.