It appeared the stage was yet again set for Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith to enjoy a breakout performance on Sunday. Facing the Denver Broncos in Week 11 opened up the chance to utilize the screen game and run the ball often to attempt to neutralize the league's best pass rush. Instead, the rookie didn't register a single rushing attempt despite Isiah Pacheco being on the shelf and managed only two catches for eight yards.
A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman pointed out the fact that Smith and Elijah Mitchell combined for zero rush attempts while quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw the ball 45 times. For the Chiefs, this highlights a deeper problem: a failed commitment to a draft pick who was hyped up throughout camp and now cannot manage to get a single carry, even when injuries strike. This is due to averaging only 2.9 yards-per-carry, adding up to 82 rushing yards on the season.
The explosive big-play ability that the playmaker was believed to have simply hasn't translated and has left Kansas City stuck with a wasted roster spot. Due to spending a draft pick on Smith and placing him on the initial 53-man roster, it seems the franchise is content playing the rest of the year out with the decision despite the obvious failures.
Brashard Smith Isn't Living Up to Expectations
Keeping the recent results in mind, it isn't all that difficult to understand why the Chiefs don't want to risk putting the ball in the hands of the rookie. Still, there is no getting around the fact that Smith's tenure has been a complete mess so far, leaving the roster stuck with a wasted spot for a player who head coach Andy Reid's staff doesn't seem that eager to use.
The fact that Smith wasn't able to register a single carry with Pacheco off the active roster is as telling a stat as you will find when it comes to where the rookie stands. Yes, the Chiefs have a great track record when it comes to recent NFL drafts, but that doesn't change how misfires still happen. Clearly, Smith is one of them.
The trade deadline is long gone, so it isn't like the Chiefs can go out and add another RB at the flick of a wrist. With Pacheco still sidelined, Mitchell and Kareem Hunt are the only 53-man options Kansas City has for the backfield, as well as Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Carson Steele on the practice squad.
Perhaps the Chiefs regret leaving Smith on the roster. Even if that's the case, they can't go back now. Instead, Kansas City must accept its reality, which is that its rookie runner isn't ready for the spotlight. Hopefully, Reid & Co. can figure out a developmental plan that plays to Smith's strengths, helping him to become a legitimate contributor by the end of the year.
If not, the first-year pro's future with the Chiefs could be in jeopardy.