Aug 29, 2026, 4:46 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado rushed nine times for 37 yards and caught his only target for 15 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Demercado finished second on the team in carries, behind Brashard Smith, and third on the team in rushing yards. Demercado's 4.1 yards per carry in the contest was the lowest among the RB trio of Demercado, Brashard Smith, and Emmett Johnson. Demercado is currently listed as the Chiefs RB2 behind Kenneth Walker, but that may be a formality as rookie Johnson operated as the starter in this contest. Johnson started the first two drives of the game before Demercado saw his first opportunity. Despite being listed as the Kansas City RB2, Demercado is likely to operate as a passing-downs specialist to spell Kenneth Walker but is not likely to carry the load if Walker gets hurt. Demercado may hold some PPR value in the deepest of leagues, but the expectations are not high for the Kansas City running back heading into 2026.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 29, 2026, 4:35 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson handled seven carries for 39 yards (5.6 ypc) and caught two passes for 15 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson earned nine total opportunities in the content, including all five of the first running back opportunities. Johnson's 5.6 yards per carry were highest the highest mark for any rusher in this game. The 22-year-old out of Nebraska appears to be establishing himself as the running back to roster behind Chiefs workhorse Kenneth Walker. Johnson is officially listed third in the Chiefs running back depth chart, but that could just be a formality. Emari Demercado is currently listed as the Chiefs RB2, but is likely to operate as more of a third-down or passing-down specialist kind of back in the Kansas City offense. Johnson has the build, tackle-breaking ability, and pass-catching chops to step into a large role should anything happen to the Chiefs starter. Johnson should be viewed as a potential handcuff to roster for the 2026 season.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 29, 2026, 4:25 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith led all players with 16 carries for 72 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. No other back on the Chiefs received double-digit carries or eclipsed 50 yards on the ground in the contest. Smith also caught his only target of the night for a loss of five yards. Although Smith ended the game with the most touches, all five of the first running back opportunities went to rookie Emmett Johnson. Smith is currently ranked fourth on the Kansas City running back depth chart, so this game may be the only time we see him get double-digit opportunities this season. Fantasy managers may be better off looking elsewhere for running back depth in 2026.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 27, 2026, 7:14 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker has made it clear that his running style preference is to work under center, which is expected to be a big part of the team's offense in 2026, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, presents a dangerous threat that should force linebackers and safeties to move forward before quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempts a play-action pass. Walker ranked fourth in percentage of runs that gained 10-plus yards, according to NextGen Stats. "No. 9. That's all I can say," Mahomes said, referencing Walker's jersey number, when asked what intrigues him most about the offense. "That change and the ability to catch, run, pass protect, do everything. [He can] make a play out of nothing into a 20-yard gain. That's going to be the biggest impact, I think, we'll have -- just finding the ways to get him the ball." If KC can make Walker more of a true dual-threat player, they should have more success as they attempt to get back to the playoffs. "He looks like he's the full package," head coach Andy Reid said of Walker. "He works at it. That's the part I appreciate. He's always asking questions." If Walker can avoid injuries in 2026 in his first year in KC, his volume alone as the team's workhorse should give him a high floor as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor

Aug 26, 2026, 2:29 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that running back Kenneth Walker's (ankle) shoe caused some swelling around his ankle but added that "he's gonna be fine," according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. The initial report on Walker was that he missed training camp practice earlier this week with a foot injury, but it was never considered very serious after he was seen walking without a limp and without a brace of any kind on his foot on Tuesday. The 25-year-old will most likely be held out of the preseason finale on Friday against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, but all signs point to the Super Bowl MVP being a full-go as KC's workhorse RB for a Week 1 showdown on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The former second-rounder by Seattle in 2022 from Michigan State played all 17 regular-season games in 2025 and had the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career while scoring five times on the ground and adding 31 catches for 282 yards as a receiver. Walker has a history of lower-body injuries, but if he can stay healthy, his volume alone with the Chiefs should give him a high floor as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in fantasy football.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell

Aug 25, 2026, 5:22 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker (foot), who missed training camp practice on Tuesday with a foot injury, did not have any brace or boot on his foot and was seen walking around "just fine," according to Matt Foster. It doesn't sound like Walker is dealing with a serious injury, but he almost certainly will be held out of the team's preseason finale this Friday against the Seattle Seahawks as the team looks to have him back to 100% for the Week 1 season opener against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14. If the 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP misses any more time this week with his foot injury, it will allow backups Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson to get more backfield work in training camp. With an expected workhorse role in his first season in KC, Walker has clear RB1 upside in 2026 if he can avoid the lower-body injuries that have plagued him in the past. The former second-rounder in 2022 from Michigan State had his second 1,000-yard season and five rushing touchdowns in 17 starts last year in his final season in Seattle, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a receiver on 36 targets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Matt Foster

Aug 25, 2026, 1:30 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker (foot) is not expected to practice Tuesday because of a foot issue, according to Matt Derrick. It's the first real interruption in what has otherwise been an impressive first summer with the Chiefs. Walker has been heavily involved throughout camp, with Kansas City getting him the ball in the screen game and finding different ways to use him as a receiver. He arrived after rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries with Seattle last season, adding 31 catches for 282 yards. Walker has looked headed for a sizable role in Kansas City, which makes the foot issue worth watching even without any indication yet that it will cost him significant time. For now, Tuesday's absence simply puts a pause on the momentum he had been building.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Matt Derrick

Aug 23, 2026, 3:32 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs second-year running back Brashard Smith handled six carries for 37 yards and broke off an 18-yard gain in the 16-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason action on Saturday. Smith also caught two passes for two yards in the contest. Smith was a favorite sleeper player last season as a rookie because of his pass-catching ability, but his potential was never truly realized playing as a change-of-pace back behind veteran Kareem Hunt. That may end up being the case again this season as the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker to be their workhorse back and drafted rookie Emmett Johnson, who looks more suited for an every-down role. Smith should still be involved due to his ability to catch the ball, but may not be the best bet to take over RB1 duties if anything happens to Kenneth Walker. Smith should continue to get run in the preseason against next week's opponent, the Seattle Seahawks.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 23, 2026, 3:23 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson once again carried the load, finishing the Chiefs' second preseason game with the most carries out of the backfield. Johnson handled seven carries for 25 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for 10 yards. The rookie finished second on the team in rushing yards behind Brashard Smith, who had 37 yards and broke off an 18-yard gain. It seems like the Chiefs are gaining more and more trust in Johnson each week, and he looks like the insurance back to roster in case anything happens to Kenneth Walker. The 22-year-old profiles as more of an early-down thumper and goal-line carrier if he's ever thrust into a starting role, but fantasy managers should view him as nothing more than a potential handcuff. Johnson will have another chance to flash his potential in next week's preseason matchup against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 23, 2026, 3:12 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker handled two carries for four yards on the first drive of the game in Week 2 of the preseason. The new Chiefs RB1 made his preseason debut in the 15-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. Although it's nice to see Walker touch the field, we don't need to see him prove anything in preseason to know the potential he has as the new Kansas City workhorse. The reigning Super Bowl MVP will shift from a committee approach with the Seattle Seahawks to getting the lion's share of the carries and catches out of the backfield. It remains to be seen if Walker will play more in next week's preseason matchup at home against his former team, the Seahawks, but regardless, fantasy managers should be excited for what the upcoming season will hold. Walker should be viewed as a potential RB1 for the 2026 season.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Aug 21, 2026, 11:37 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker has been everywhere in training camp. The Athletic reports that Walker is getting the ball "all the time," with the Chiefs leaning on him in the screen game and using him as the primary back in the red zone. That's a pretty sharp change from Seattle, where Zach Charbonnet took a big chunk of the work. Walker ran for 1,027 yards on 221 carries last season but scored only five times. Charbonnet, meanwhile, had 12 rushing touchdowns on 184 carries. Walker also caught 31 passes for 282 yards, and Kansas City has been testing that part of his game much more this summer. Andy Reid has rotated backs by series plenty over the years, but The Athletic says that doesn't appear to be the plan here. If the camp usage holds, Walker is headed for more catches, more goal-line chances and a heavier overall workload. That's a big fantasy boost for a back who already showed during Seattle's Super Bowl run that he can carry the load.--Bruno Mulé
Source: The Athletic

Aug 20, 2026, 9:35 PM ET

According to Pete Sweeney, writer for The Kansas City Star, the Chiefs didn't just sign Kenneth Walker to run; they hope he reshapes the offense. The Chiefs went out and got the Super Bowl MVP Walker in the offseason from the Seahawks, and signed him to a three-year, $43.05 million contract to be the team's lead running back after they moved on from Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Walker, entering his age 25 season, was one of the NFL's most efficient runners in the league, as he ranked sixth in evaded tackles, fourth in explosive rating, third in breakaway, and 12th in yards per touch. Reports from camp have also suggested that the Chiefs brought him in for his explosiveness and plan to get him more involved in the passing game. Last season, his ceiling was capped by Zach Charbonnet, who had 12 rushing touchdowns, and Walker enters a Patrick Mahomes-led offense where he will not have much competition for touches with Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith behind him. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB10 for the season, and he has the upside to finish inside the top five given his projected workload and explosiveness.--Nicho Roessler
Source: The Kansas City Star

Aug 17, 2026, 11:54 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs rookie fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson appears to be the clear No. 2 RB in KC in training camp behind starter Kenneth Walker, with Johnson getting the next touch after Walker in 9-on-7 drills in Monday's practice, according to Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. Head coach Andy Reid had good things to say about the Nebraska product after he carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards and caught all three of his targets for 10 yards during the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Johnson's carries and rushing yards led the team. The 22-year-old was listed as the RB3 on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason behind Walker and Emari Demercado, but if Johnson continues to run hard and look good in camp and the preseason, it would not be a surprise at all to see him open his rookie campaign as the primary backup in KC. In addition to Demercado, Johnson is competing with Brashard Smith for the backup role. Walker will be close to a bell-cow back in his first year with the Chiefs, but Johnson's pass-catching ability alone might make him the best upside handcuff option in KC.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney

Aug 16, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, but in his battle to earn the primary backup role behind Kenneth Walker, the points in his favor end right about there. Smith carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and brought in both of his targets for an additional 12 yards, but he was outshined by rookie Emmett Johnson, who looked explosive in gaining 59 yards on his 12 carries. Johnson also added three catches for 10 yards and ran in a four-yard touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty. As a rookie in 2025, Smith was unable to carve out a meaningful role in a backfield led by Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, finishing the year with 323 yards and one touchdown on 79 total opportunities. With a significantly higher talent level in the room for 2026, he could struggle to find regular work and is not likely to make any fantasy impact without a notable injury ahead of him.--Patrick McGrath
Source: ESPN