Kansas City Chiefs RB DeAndre Washington finds himself in a familiar situation with his new team.
The Oakland Raiders spent pick No. 24 in the 2019 NFL Draft on Alabama RB Josh Jacobs. Washington was suddenly part of a rotation that featured Jacobs and included Jalen Richard. In 2020, after joining the Chiefs as a free agent, Kansas City drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire at pick No. 32 in the draft. Once again, Washington finds himself in a situation where he looks to be part of a rotation. He didn’t fret, though. Washington knows that it’s a long season and his opportunity will come.
The situations are so similar that it’s a bit uncanny. Washington even likens the two young running backs to each other. He’s been advising Edwards-Helaire just as he did with Jacobs in 2019.
“[It’s] a pretty similar experience,” Washington began. “Both – I feel like they’re both great backs, great strengths to their game. My experience with Josh (Jacobs) last year and like the same thing I told Clyde (Edwards-Helaire), it’s a long season, just take care of your body. Guys are going roll, guys are going to get reps and he doesn’t have to feel like he takes every rep or be the guy right now.”
As a rookie, Jacobs had 242 carries for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games started. He also caught 20 passes for 166 yards. A shoulder injury caused Jacobs to miss the last three games of the season. That’s when Washington had to step up for the Raiders.
Washington understands the angst of being a rookie. In his rookie season in 2016, he appeared in 14 games and started in two, rushing for 467 yards and two touchdowns. After working with Jacobs last season, he also knows how to be a supportive teammate to a blossoming star.
“I understand you’re coming in as a rookie, you’re hungry,” Washington continued. “I want him to shine. And Josh would get hot in the game, I would tell Josh to stay in the game, no reason to come out. I know we’re in a rotation, but you’re hot, stay in the game and keep it going. And I’ll keep that same energy with Clyde. Any game I give him, just from my experience, I’m definitely going to shoot it out to him and I’m looking forward see him shine.”
A supportive, yet competitive running back room in Kansas City will only help each of these players improve and be the best possible version of themselves during the 2020 season. Washington’s support to the rookie Edwards-Helaire is already defining the type of teammate and player that he’ll be with Chiefs.
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