How the Kansas City Chiefs are going to manage the backfield on a short week with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys ahead remains a bit of a mystery. The Chiefs finally made good on the promise of finding balance, allowing Kareem Hunt to carry the ball 30 times and totaling 41 attempts in last week's 24-21 overtime win. However, this has created a bit of an issue when it comes to what the backfield is going to look like moving forward.
A to Z Sports Charles Goldman reported that Andy Reid commented on the new addition, Dameon Pierce, as well as noting that "they'll see as far as his future involvement." The Chiefs are working to get Pierce up to speed with the back remaining on the practice squad in what is now a crowded backfield. Goldman further reported Reid's comments on Hunt's performance that made it clear that the back's age and carries will be taken into account heading into Week 13.
""I'm proud of him. He's upright, which is a positive thing. He feels good. It just shows you what he's put into it. At that age and that position, guys don't normally hang around that long and be productive. He wanted more, and that's a good thing.""Andy Reid
The second thing that Reid says in this comment is noting that Hunt is "upright" after the incredible Week 12 performance. However, this does seem to indicate some level of awareness that you don't want to continue to ask an aging back to carry this level of workload. Something that Reid must especially take into consideration as the Chiefs are entering a very short week.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Not Providing Clarity on How Kansas City Backfield will Look Moving Forward
Reid not providing clarity obviously leaves a number of questions, with the most obvious being the potential return of Isiah Pacheco. The back is attempting to return from injury and remains in limbo when it comes to his current standing with the organization. Pacheco and Hunt both have arguments to start, while Brashard Smith and Clyde Edwards-Helaire both appear to have their respective roster spots in jeopardy.
Adding Pierce was a clear message that the Chiefs aren't content with the current rotation and are looking at possible upgrades. For Pierce, this is an opportunity to help contribute to a stretch run in a reserve role. Having spent the first part of his career with the Houston Texans, there is no question that this is easily the most talented offense and coaching staff Pierce has joined.
Still, there are no definitive answers when it comes to how the Chiefs will utilize the run game on Thursday and who the primary ballcarriers are going to be. What remains clear is the fact that Reid's adjustment to featuring the run game against the Colts must be the standard moving forward.
Patrick Mahomes hasn't been playing up to his own standard while Steve Spagnuolo's defense remains incredibly impressive. Leaning on your defense and controlling the clock, running the football might be Kansas City's best path for playoff relevance. Something that could prove a bit tricky in Week 13, with your lone reliable option coming off a Herculean performance on a short week. Still, no matter how Reid chooses to manage it, there is no question that fans should expect another heavy dose of the run against the Cowboys.