Tag: running back

Coaches are praising Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt for his versatility: ‘He’s a good football player’

Coaches are praising Kansas City #Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for his versatility: ‘He’s a good football player’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Monday during his weekly Zoom press conference. He shared his thoughts on running back Kareem Hunt’s versatility being utilized in the passing game.

“Yeah, well, we think touches for him (Kareem Hunt) end up being important, whether he’s carrying it or – he’s a good football player, so you want to have him have an opportunity to show off those talents,” said Reid. He’s always been a good receiver. We weren’t getting as much out of the run game as we wanted to, so we started throwing it a little bit more, and he became an important part of that.”

Hunt had another busy afternoon. He was active in the passing game, leading the team in receiving yards with 65 and seven receptions. For the first time in weeks since signing with the team, he had below 20 carries but maintained his effectiveness as a receiver. Reid mentioned Hunt and other players’ heavy workload while dealing with the odd scheduling this season.

“It’s not as much the maybe the physical part as it is the time in between games. That’s what you’re managing. Then, it comes down to how the guys are feeling because of the short week.” said Reid. “That’s the way we did it last week. This is a normal week, so it’s not going to be quite like that. It’ll be a normal week of practice, but in this league, every game is physical. I mean, the parity in this league is crazy right now. You just check out some of these scores and go, ‘Jeez, it’s nuts.’ There’s – any given Sunday. It’s no more important than that is right now in this league. You better be on your A-game every week.”

The Chiefs will be on a traditional schedule this week with this Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Audric Estime is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

It looks like there’s been a changing of the guard in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield.

Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted last week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season, and that’s beginning to play out. Estime led the team’s backfield in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) on Sunday. Javonte Williams (one carry and two targets) seems to have been relegated to passing-down duties.

Estime could be Denver’s new RB1 going forward, and he should be considered a top priority on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the waiver wire front, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (50%) should be rostered, Dawson Knox (1%) is a streaming tight end option and quarterback Bo Nix (50%) has quickly become fantasy-relevant.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime’s efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) wasn’t great on Sunday, but Payton seems to be a big fan of the rookie, so his workload (14 carries) will likely trend up in the coming weeks.

2. RB Gus Edwards (21%): Edwards (10 carries for 55 yards) split time with J.K. Dobbins (15 carries for 50 yards) on Sunday. Playing in a run-heavy offense, both RBs could be fantasy-relevant going forward.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (50%): Bijan Robinson remains the star, but Allgeier (11 carries for 59 yards) isn’t going away. Allgeier has standalone flex value and he’s an extremely important handcuff in case Robinson is ever unavailable.

4. RB Trey Benson (16%): James Conner (17 touches for 113 yards) and Benson (12 touches for 87 yards) were both productive on Sunday as the Cardinals cruised to a comfortable win over the Jets. That won’t happen every week, but Benson should be rostered. Note that Arizona has a bye in Week 11.

5. RB Tyjae Spears (42%): Spears (10 touches for 51 yards) wasn’t far behind Tony Pollard (13 touches for 63 yards) in Week 10. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

6. RB Braelon Allen (22%): Breece Hall is obviously the RB1, but Allen (seven carries and one target) remains involved. Allen could be a flex option if you’re desperate.

7. RB Cam Akers (16%): Aaron Jones had an injury scare on Sunday before later returning to the game. Akers is worth adding in case Jones does end up missing any time. With Jones missing part of Sunday’s game, Akers got 14 touches for the Vikings in Week 10.

8. RB Ray Davis (19%): He’s just a handcuff behind James Cook at this point, but Davis proved earlier this season that he’s a capable fill-in option if called upon in Buffalo.

9. RB Blake Corum (16%): The Rams have been giving Kyren Williams a heavy workload, and Corum could be an extremely valuable handcuff down the stretch if Williams gets banged up.

10. RB Kenneth Gainwell (2%): Saquon Barkley steps aside when the Eagles have big leads, giving value to Gainwell and Will Shipley (1%) when Philly is a big favorite.

11. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): The speedy running back returned to action in Week 10 and the Ravens now have a “three-headed monster” at running back. Mitchell is worth stashing, especially in deep leagues.

12. RB Jaylen Wright (5%): De’Von Achane remains the RB1 in Miami, but Wright might be taking the RB2 role away from Raheem Mostert. Wright got the second-most carries (five) on Monday. Mostert was targeted three times as a receiver out of the backfield but got no carries.

Bonus: RB Jaylen Warren (62%) is already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure he’s not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares Brett Veach story, preparing for game return

Kansas City #Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares Brett Veach story, preparing for game return | @EdEastonJr

The return of Clyde Edwards-Heaire to the Kansas City Chiefs is eagerly anticipated as he continues to work through PTSD. During a recent appearance on ‘The Pivot‘ podcast, the former Chiefs first-round pick described his preparation for returning to game action, helping the defense during practice and uplifting conversation with general manager Brett Veach.

“I’ve been doing everything that I that I can. I’ve been in every meeting and at every practice since I’ve been, you know, let off NFI,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “I was talking to (Brett) Veach, and he was like, Man, even though you’re not out there, you are on our 53. No other team would do that in the league. No other team would do that. Like man, I know what you bring.”

Since being taken off the NFI list, the former LSU star has been listed as inactive. The Chiefs’ running backs room continues to be led by Kareem Hunt while starter Isiah Pacheco recovers from injury.

“I think I’m showing everything that I need to do, like I’ve been on service, you know, P-Squad (Practice Squad), servicing the starters on our defense, making sure they good every week,” said Edwards-Helaire. “That’s a proud moment for me because I feel like our defense ain’t been letting up on anybody. So I’m like, I’m doing the things that I need to do for our team to be successful as much as I can in this spot.”

Last season, Edwards-Helaire started three of the 15 games he played, tallying 223 yards rushing and 188 yards receiving. He had one touchdown as a runner and another as a receiver.

“As soon as they flick that two or five light, for me to get on with the ones and be able to be out there and showcase with our guys who’ve been rolling,” said Edwards-Helaire, “they going to get Clyde, full-blown I mean, and I think the biggest thing was me, was just finding peace within myself and I think I found it.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vzj2XTWKLMY

Edwards-Helaire will eventually rejoin a productive running back room on the active game roster. Kansas City has been one of the best-rushing teams in the league this season.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire opens up about friendship with Travis Kelce: ‘Look at him as a big brother’

Kansas City #Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire opens up about friendship with Travis Kelce: ‘Look at him as a big brother’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has opened up recently about his ongoing battle with PTSD. During his appearance on the ‘The Pivot‘ podcast, he addressed his progress and revealed a teammate who has helped him through issues.

“Travis (Kelce) is real heartfelt, probably not the most religious person, but he’s going to speak whatever he feels at the time. The amount of time that I was spending with Travis, bro, was unreal. I really look at him as a big brother, and I needed somebody to lean on.” said Edwards-Helaire. “My first year in the league was the COVID year, which literally kept us isolated from each other. But the only person that’ll do those things reach out and make sure I’m good, text me on random days was Travis, like, bro, you good? Like he was the only one. He’ll notice when I’m kind of jacked up in the morning in meetings and all this other stuff, real, aware of his surroundings.”

Over the years, Travis Kelce has been praised by many teammates for his generous nature behind the scenes. Edwards-Helaire revealed his continued effort to help him through the progress.

“I felt comfortable with him. I could talk to him,” said Edwards-Helaire. “He’ll tell me whatever he is, not necessarily swinging my mind one way or another, but it was somebody I could vent to, and it didn’t get any better than that, bro, like, we wouldn’t necessarily get to the details of everything, he knew the story. Everybody knew that’s just what it is. But the way Travis and I would talk was more heartfelt than anything.”

Edwards-Helaire has been involved in two Super Bowl championships with the Chiefs and says he views Kelce as a best friend on the team.

“I’ve been in with the Chiefs five years, and probably, been my best friend since I walked in the door; he called me GBC, ‘Good Brother Clyde.’ Got nicknames and everything, and that was another thing, like bro, out of all things, that’s his nickname for me, Clyde, make sure everybody good. It doesn’t matter the situation. Don’t worry about it. Call ‘Good Brother Clyde,’ he’ll get you right.” said Edwards-Helaire. “That kind of resonated with me, not only him knowing and seeing that Clyde was going to make sure everybody was good, but to his aspect of being a team leader and being that dude that kind of everybody looks up to; it was different when he was looking out for me. I think that’s what made our friendship and brotherhood just unbreakable.”

This is a positive peak behind the scenes of the Chiefs’ relationship dynamics, as they have grown more profound than just teammates. Their strong bond has led to much success on the football field in recent years.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes played a role in a 2020 NFL Draft selection

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes played a role in 2020 NFL Draft selection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl teams have included numerous players drafted by the franchise. General manager Brett Veach decided on the homegrown talent, but the star quarterback also provided heavy input.

Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire appeared as a guest on ‘The Pivot‘ podcast. He discussed his battle with PTSD and revealed his thoughts on being drafted by the Chiefs during the 2020 NFL Draft, per Patrick Mahomes’ suggestion.

“I’ve literally won a championship on every level that you can win on. I don’t want to say it’s nothing else that, I’m saying nothing else that can be done, but it’s like being able to hit those benchmarks and not only do that but still feel like there’s so much more else that I can do,” said Edwards-Helaire. “If it wasn’t for Pat (Patrick Mahomes) saying, Yeah, give me 22 from LSU, if it wasn’t for that, I don’t know how that void will be filled. I think it’ll just be me spreading myself as thin as possible to kind of fill those voids to make sure everything else is good around me.”

Edwards-Helaire began his career with the Chiefs as the starter before transitioning to becoming a trusted third-down running back. He continued a tradition of winning on the field to Kansas City during his tenure.

Chiefs RB Samaje Perine reflects on being released by the Broncos: ‘It is what it is’

Kansas City #Chiefs running back Samaje Perine reflects on being released by the Denver #Broncos: ‘It is what it is’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for another AFC West battle against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. On Friday, Samaje Perine spoke to reporters about playing last season for Denver and being released during the offseason.

“Um, it wasn’t bad. It was a learning curve, as far as Sean (Payton) runs a unique offense in the sense of a lot of words, so really have to lock in,” said Perine. “But you know, it was fun. It’s a great group of guys over there. I wish nothing but the best for them, at least until we play them. But other than that, nothing but the best.”

After being signed shortly before the start of the season, Perine has played an essential role for the Chiefs. He’s played more as a third-down running back in place of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and was released by Denver more for age reasons than skillset.

“It is what it is. People like young talent,” said Perine. “They like what they like, and that’s what it is.”

During his lone season in Denver, Perine played 17 games, finishing with 53 carries for 238 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and 50 receptions for 455 receiving yards. The veteran running back doesn’t view the Week 10 matchup as motivation as he treats it like any other game.

“Nah, a boost in motivation gets you messed up just because you blow your gasket before you even play,” said Perine. “So you got to keep it cool, calm, collected at all times.”

Perine has two touchdowns this season, including an endzone reception in last week’s victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Broncos scouts are zeroing in on these college football teams

Broncos scouts have been paying close attention to Oregon and Washington games this fall. Here are the prospects to know from those schools.

Going into this weekend’s slate of college football games, the Denver Broncos have spent more time scouting the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats than any other college football programs.

That’s according to NFL draft pundit John Vogel, who reported last week that Denver scouts have attended three Oregon games and three Wildcats games this fall. Broncos general manager George Paton also attended the Washington Huskies game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in September.

The most notable prospect among the four colleges mentioned is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the top receiver in the 2025 class. The Wildcats’ offense also features offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.

Oregon has a host of prospects who could interest Denver’s staff, including receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, and running back Jordan James.

Washington’s prospects of note include running back Jonah Coleman, safety Kamren Fabiculanan and receiver Giles Jackson. Meanwhile, the Rutgers’ offense features offensive tackle Hollin Pierce and running back Kyle Monangai.

With Broncos scouts and executives checking in on those programs, the above players will be worth monitoring this fall. The 2025 NFl draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26. Denver holds seven picks.

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Chiefs’ offense features a former Broncos running back

For the first time since being cut by the Broncos this summer, Chiefs RB Samaje Perine will face his old team on Sunday.

After being cut by the Denver Broncos this summer, veteran running back Samaje Perine quickly landed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Perine has dressed for eight games with the Chiefs this season. His contributions have been subtle, but not insignificant.

Perine has rushed 14 times for 55 yards and a touchdown while adding 13 receptions for 129 yards and another score. He has played 152 snaps on offense and 25 snaps on special teams for Kansas City.

The 29-year-old running back is now set to face his old team when the Chiefs host the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Perine plays in a backfield that currently features Kareem Hunt with Perine, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and fullback Carson Steele mixed in (Isiah Pacheco is still on injured reserve).

Kansas City also has another former Denver player in wide receiver/returner Montrell Washington, but he is currently on the practice squad. Since joining the Chiefs last year, Washington has played seven snaps on offense and 42 snaps on special teams.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Saints sign another running back to their practice squad

The Saints brought in some running back depth on Tuesday, signing second-year player Xazavian Valladay to the practice squad:

The New Orleans Saints have brought in additional running back depth by signing second-year player Xazavian Valladay to the practice squad, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler The Saints currently have three running backs on the  53-man roster: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and Jordan Mims.

However, Williams is dealing with a groin injury right now and missed the Saints’ Week 9 game. They also have Jacob Kibodi on the practice squad as of this moment.

Valladay was an exceptional running back at the college level, putting together four 1,00-yard rushing seasons, including in 2019 when he led the PAC-12 in rushing attempts (247), rushing yards (1,265), and plays from scrimmage (258). Over his five years in college, he played in 54 games accruing 841 rush attempts, 4,473 yards (5.3 yards per carry), 35 rushing touchdowns, as well as 88 receptions for 873 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.

Overall he was very good at both Wyoming and Arizona State, but would go undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft class. He has signed three practice squad deals since then, with the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, and New York Jets from late 2023 to 2024, before being released in September.

Though he does only have one game on the active roster of an NFL team, he is still only one year into his tenure and showed flashes of promise in college. Also a fun fact, if he were to make the 53-man roster, he would be the first Saint to do so with their first name starting with the letter “X”. One of the few exceptions from him being the only Saint to ever sign with the team under those circumstances is Xavier Rush, who signed in Aug. 2017 for a few weeks.

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Sean Payton hints at more playing time for a Broncos running back

Take note, fantasy football managers: Audric Estime could get more carries from the Broncos in the second half of the season.

Take note, fantasy football managers.

During his conference call with reporters on Monday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked if rookie running back Audric Estime could get a bigger workload in the second half of the season.

“I think that’s a good and fair question, and one that I think I would answer, ‘Yes,'” Payton said.

Estime (5-11, 227 pounds) was picked by the Broncos in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft out of Notre Dame. He spent four weeks on injured reserve earlier this season with an ankle injury and he had some hiccups with two fumbles, but Estime’s stock is now trending up.

The rookie got five carries on Sunday, tying his career high. That’s certainly not a big number, but it could increase in the coming weeks.

On a small sample size of 15 carries, Estime has a better yards per carry average (6.3) than starter Javonte Williams (3.8) and change-of-pace back Jaleel McLaughlin (3.9). Estime’s average will likely go down with a larger sample size, but the rookie has earned more opportunities.

Estime is probably worth stashing on your fantasy football bench in case his workload does increase down the stretch.

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