Andy Reid answers big question about Kareem Hunt

Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid against the New England Patriots during the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs this week reunited with Kareem Hunt, and head coach Andy Reid has answered a big question about the decision to sign the veteran running back.

Hunt has signed a practice-squad deal with the Chiefs in the wake of Isiah Pacheco suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The 29-year-old Hunt began his NFL career with the Chiefs in 2017 as a third-round pick out of Toledo. He was waived midway through his second season with the team after a video surfaced that showed him shoving and kicking a woman at a hotel.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Teicher asked Reid why the Chiefs were willing to give Hunt another chance when they were so quick to distance themselves from the running back in 2018.

“We thought he needed a change of scenery and to get some help … We felt he did that,” Reid said.

I asked Reid why Chiefs would bring Hunt back after releasing him so quickly when video came out 6 years ago: "We thought he needed a change of scenery and to get some help . . . We felt he did that."

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) September 18, 2024

Reid also said Hunt has a chance to be elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Hunt had 1,327 yards rushing, 455 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl that season and looked like he would anchor Kansas City’s backfield for years to come. His career with the Chiefs instead came to an abrupt halt. Hunt signed with the Cleveland Browns after the 2018 season and spent the majority of the last five seasons with them.

If Hunt is in shape, he should be able to contribute with Pacheco sidelined. The Chiefs also have rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine, but Hunt’s familiarity with Reid’s offense should help him get up to speed quickly.

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