The Kansas City Chiefs have wasted no time hyping up rookie running back Emmett Johnson, with ESPN's Peter Schrager adding to the momentum this past week. It is clear that Kansas City brought in Johnson with the expectation that the rookie would have an immediate impact behind starter Kenneth Walker. While the free agent signing was a blockbuster addition, there was reason to believe that the rusher would be at his best if the Chiefs were able to add a viable second option.
Walker's recent years with Seattle set up this expectation, with Zach Charbonnet taking pressure off the star back and allowing him to consistently take breathers. The Chiefs would be wise to follow this same path, especially early in the year when the rushing workload is expected to be a bit heavier than a typical Andy Reid-led offense.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to be back in Week 1, but it is clear the quarterback is going to need to be protected. A huge piece of this is going to be leaning on Walker and Johnson to shoulder a heavy load and shorten games by helping KC control the clock and limit how many hits Mahomes has to take as he eases back into the lineup.
This makes it clear why Johnson is so highly valued, with the expectation being that he can play a very real role for the Chiefs in Week 1. It is obviously the priority to protect Mahomes, but there is also a need to limit the carries of Walker and keep the back fresh deep into the season.
Chiefs handing Emmett Johnson clear opportunity to gain early season momentum
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Johnson step into an early-season role similar to what Kareem Hunt filled behind Isiah Pacheco to start the 2025 season. Giving Johnson 15-20 snaps a game makes sense as long as the production in training camp and the preseason games meet early expectations.
Kansas City's biggest priority is Mahomes, but keeping Walker healthy deep into the season after being paid a top-dollar contract has to be on the mind of Kansas City coaches as well. All of this makes it clear that the stage is set for the rookie to have a day one impact and become an important piece of Reid's offense.
For Walker, there is no threat here with the accomplishments and contract, handing the veteran an incredible level of job security. There should only be a level of excitement that the Chiefs appear to have found a running mate capable of taking pressure off and helping soften up the opposing defense. No question, it appears to have been an incredibly high-impact draft class that was brought in with Johnson being an underrated piece of the team's rookie additions.
More Kansas City Chiefs News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google