The Kansas City Chiefs sit at an undefeated 3-0 record after the first three weeks of the 2026 season, and while there are still areas of weakness around the team, there is very little for fans to be seriously concerned about. However, if there is one nitpick fans could take away, it would be the extremely heavy workload placed on Kenneth Walker III. In the team's first three games, grinding the clock and leaning on the legs of Walker has been a common theme and has resulted in 65 carries and nearly 80 touches altogether.
There isn't concrete proof that this is sustainable, as Walker's years with Seattle were defined by a strong backfield duo. Walker was the star contributor, but the Seahawks were careful to limit his carries early in the season to avoid the wear and tear, and Kansas City needs to learn from this and do the same. The greatness of Patrick Mahomes is undeniably clear, and while Walker is a weapon to lessen this load, the Chiefs need to be smart and make sure he's this good for the duration of the season.
The one clear pivot option is getting rookie fifth-round back Emmett Johnson more involved in the game plan. If Kansas City is going to be more focused on running the ball, they need to utilize more than just one guy's talents. Johnson has just 16 total carries so far this season, averaging a modest 3.5 yards per tote.
It's been his receiving chops and his Walker-like tackle-breaking ability that should see Johnson get some more run on the field. The former Nebraska Cornhusker has turned four catches into a total of 64 impressive yards.
Emmett Johnson should be one of the best waiver pickups out there. Chiefs trusted him. He played well. Kenneth Walker's workload is out of control. pic.twitter.com/oY4W9nvmTj
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) September 15, 2026
Chiefs needs to feed rookie Emmett Johnson more to ensure Walker's health
The Chiefs would be wise to lean on the rookie, knowing that the run game with Walker will be there whenever they need it. Mahomes has carried far too much in recent seasons, and having support from a part of the offense that has not been there for years is an undeniable revelation. And something the Chiefs need to make sure stays intact for 17-plus games.
Seattle set the blueprint, and while I do think the Chiefs are smarter in utilizing the highly invested Walker in a variety of ways, they must keep him fresh. Walker has stayed around 250-ish touches throughout his four-year career in Seattle. His workload with the Chiefs is on pace to blow that out of the water.
Finding any issues with the Chiefs after an undefeated start is difficult; it is more so looking for ways to set up what should be another deep playoff run, one that Walker must be fully healthy for if things are going to fall KC's way.
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