With the 53-man roster cutdown deadline already behind us, the Kansas City Chiefs are turning their attention towards their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
This is a huge early-season test for the Chiefs, who should expect to be in a dog fight with the three other teams in the AFC West. Kansas City will not have third-year WR Rashee Rice for the regular season opener and the next five games afterward due to a league suspension.
Without Rice, Chiefs superstar QB Patrick Mahomes will depend on his other pass catchers, but also the running game. The Chiefs’ backfield is stacked with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and rookie Brashard Smith.
However, based on the latest comments from Chiefs GM Brett Veach, one running back will be the odd man out.
#Chiefs GM Brett Veach has revealed that the team is planning for three active running backs on game day.
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) August 28, 2025
New Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell Likely Not in the Picture for Gameday
According to Chiefs Blitz, Veach said that the Chiefs are planning to keep three active running backs on game day.
As you can imagine, Kansas City fans automatically made the connection that Mitchell could likely be the inactive RB on gameday. Many fans were surprised that the veteran running back made the 53-man roster, as he wasn’t overly impressive in the preseason.
The 5-foot-10 running back ran for 33 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries (3.3 YPC) across three preseason games. That isn’t great production for a guy on a one-year deal and looking to prove himself.
Now, the good news for Mitchell is that he made it through preseason healthy, as the injury bug has hindered him throughout his career. However, when you have a Pacheco and Hunt on the roster, it makes Mitchell a non-factor.
And not to mention, the Chiefs also have Carson Steele (fullback) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the practice squad, so who's to say that Mitchell’s spot is safe? The Chiefs will likely try to get Smith onto the field, too, as he has speed to burn, and you want to get the ball to him in space.
If the Chiefs stick to this plan, it will be interesting to see if it is Mitchell and what Kansas City ultimately envisions for him.