The Kansas City Chiefs have a tough decision to make when it comes to how to manage the backfield and whether or not to make a splashy addition. Making this decision isn't helped by the fact that Isiah Pacheco is slated to miss Week 9, putting all of the pressure on Brashard Smith to help make the decision. In a perfect world, the rookie can have a breakout game or at least show enough progress to take pressure off the front office to make a trade. It seems that Pacheco's injury has only added to the need to make an impact outside addition, though.
However, this presents a chance for Smith to have a statement game against one of Kansas City's regular-season rivals. The Buffalo Bills are going to have the league's attention on Sunday due to their consistent playoff failures against the Chiefs. It is a one-sided rivalry when the games matter most, but it is still a unique opportunity for Smith to put away the slow start and give the Chiefs reason to reconsider the need to add to the backfield. It would need to be a convincing performance, judging from how much Smith has struggled in the rushing attack thus far.
Chiefs Have Difficult Decision to Make on Underwhelming 2025 Backfield
Smith has offered only 75 yards this season, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. This is the reason why an aging Kareem Hunt has remained such an important piece. The duo of Pacheco and Hunt has done the heavy lifting this season, while Smith has been used sparingly. Setting up just how important a game this is for the rookie if he is going to continue to play a role. Another rough game, and it is officially time to push the panic button.
This likely means a blockbuster addition and perhaps pushing Smith off the active roster. It is hard to see the team parting ways with Hunt at this point, not based on the overall production, but due to his ability as a short-yardage weapon. Getting a starting back you can rely on to take pressure off Mahomes and having Pacheco and Hunt as the secondary options is incredibly ideal.
Something that will only change if the rookie has a big game with much of the sports world watching. Having a huge impact in a game against the Bills, when the stakes are this high, would be the same as 2-3 great performances against other competition. That alone should be enough to reconsider deadline plans.
This isn't just based on Smith, but understanding that Pacheco still isn't at his best, and the value of using Hunt in short-yardage situations. Leaving the door open for the rookie to put together a performance that would allow the Chiefs to focus on other positions and give hope that Smith isn't the frustrating bust he appears to be.