For the second time in the past two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to get by without Isiah Pacheco for a long stretch. The former seventh-round pick suffered another leg injury, and while head coach Andy Reid doesn't think he'll be out for long, he's looking at a multi-week absence at best.
Pacheco's latest injury officially leaves the door wide open for rookie RB Brashard Smith to finally show what he's got behind veteran runner Kareem Hunt. Although Elijah Mitchell is an option due to his experience, it's in Reid & Co.'s best interest to finally unleash their first-year playmaker.
Chiefs Must Start Rookie RB Brashard Smith vs. Bills
Reid has been supportive of Smith this season, and his playing time has been trending in the right direction lately. While he may not be the average tackle-breaking, bruising back who's going to do his damage between the tackles, he's shifty, has great hands, and has a big opportunity to break out against a Buffalo Bills defense that has struggled against the run all year long.
Pacheco is going to be a free agent at the end of the season, and given his history of injuries and inefficiency, he's most likely going to walk. Hunt is aging and more of a short-yardage type of guy at this point in his career. Also, with the trade deadline just a couple of days after the game, Smith needs to make the most of that opportunity to prove that they don't need to make a move and find someone else.
Despite his limited action and playing under 25% of the snaps in six of eight games, Smith has looked solid when given a chance. He turned 28 snaps in the blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders into a career-best 81 yards from scrimmage, showcasing his dual-threat skills. That game was a blowout, though, so it'd be interesting to see how the rookie will perform in a tighter game.
Through the first eight games of his career, the wide receiver-turned-RB has logged 25 carries for 75 yards. He's been much better as a pass catcher, hauling in 14 receptions on 18 targets for 122 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per catch.
The Bills will look to put a lot of pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes and keep him on his toes on every dropback. Smith could be of help in RPO situations and an up-tempo offense to wear Sean McDermott's defense out.
The Chiefs don't have an established, clear-cut star running back right now, so it certainly won't hurt to give Smith a chance. If it pays off and he thrives in the spotlight, great. If not, Kansas City can renovate the backfield in the offseason.