The Kansas City Citys' offense has been searching for a spark in the running game all season long. However, a potential solution has been waiting in the wings, watching every game from the sideline.
Elijah Mitchell has been the quiet man in the backfield, a forgotten piece despite being a notable offseason addition. For weeks, his only action has been in practice. Yet, Andy Reid may have just changed the entire situation for Mitchell with his Week 9 comments.
Andy Reid's Equation-Changing Admission
"He had a severe injury at one point and a lot of guys wouldn't even come back from this thing... he battled back... You could see him get better with each week... I would tell you we all have confidence in his ability, for sure," Reid stated, per Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.
The fact this endorsement came from the head coach himself raises eyebrows. For a player yet to take a regular-season snap, this is a massive show of faith. It signals a potential shift in the team's strategy.
The timing of this is absolutely critical. Starting back Isiah Pacheco is now week-to-week with an MCL sprain. The Chiefs' backfield, once a question mark, is now a full-blown mystery. Mitchell hasn't been impressive enough to earn a place in a regular season game. The door, firmly shut for the first eight weeks, is now creaking open. Who will step through it?
A New Opportunity for Elijah Mitchell
General Manager Brett Veach initially took a low-risk gamble on Mitchell. He compared him to former Chief Jerick McKinnon, a similarly under-the-radar signing who became vital.
Veach noted after signing him, "It’s not a secret with him. He’s got to stay healthy. When he’s healthy, he provides an explosive dynamic in both the run and pass game." The talent has always been there. But the challenge has always been availability.
Mitchell’s history is a long list of frustrating setbacks. His injury log is extensive:
- MCL Sprains (2022)
- Hamstring Issues (2023, 2024)
- Various other ailments
Despite this, his rookie year in San Francisco was brilliant. He racked up 963 yards, showing explosive cut-back ability. He even played against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Now, he has a chance to help them win one.
The Chiefs' offense desperately needs a some extra juice from its RBs. They were last in the NFL in 10+ yard runs by their backs last season, per ESPN. Mitchell’s 4.38-speed offers a dimension they currently lack. He is a north-south runner who can catch passes. He could be the change-of-pace back this system has been missing all along.
All the pieces are now in place. The coach has voiced his support. The starter is injured. The team needs a jolt. The long wait for Mitchell may finally be over. His career in Kansas City has been like a long rain delay. Now, the sun might be coming out.