The Chiefs’ reunion with Kareem Hunt raises several questions about Kansas City’s approach to the running back position. Samaje Perine was signed as a potential Jerick McKinnon replacement, though Hunt’s return and Perine’s limited role thus far indicates Brett Veach may have buyer’s remorse.

If the organization felt fully comfortable with Carson Steele, Perine, and newly-promoted Keaontay Ingram to take Isiah Pacheco’s place while he’s recovering from injury, Hunt would be an unnecessary signing.

However, the coaching staff felt the position needed some help, and that could fall on Perine’s shoulders.

Chiefs Re-Signing Kareem Hunt Raises Samaje Perine Concerns

At the least, Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s stint on IR seems it’ll last longer than just four weeks. He’s being treated for PTSD symptoms and the organization is committed to helping him. That Hunt was signed probably means they don’t expect Edwards-Helaire back soon.

But it also means the coaching staff isn’t fully comfortable with Perine. He has only two touches through two weeks, both of which were catches. Steele has nine carries and is the preferred third-down back, so Perine and Hunt will compete for passing touches with Hunt dipping into Steele’s work as well.

It’s a surprising development given Perine’s reputation as one of the better third-down backs in the NFL. He caught 50 passes for 455 yards for the Broncos last year and routinely ranks among the better backs on a per-touch basis.

Andy Reid clearly wasn’t confident that he could handle a large workload nonetheless. Perine has a huge opportunity against the Falcons in Week 3 to leave his mark but if he doesn’t, we can expect to see Hunt on the field sooner than later.