RADIO
Emmett Johnson Productive in Pro Debut
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson was productive during his preseason debut versus the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. He rushed the ball 12 times for 59 yards and hauled in all three of his targets for 10 additional yards through the air in the loss. Johnson led all running backs in both carries and rushing yards during Saturday's game. Head coach Andy Reid noted after the game that Johnson ran the ball hard and aggressively during this game. The rookie back is currently listed as the RB3, but could make a push for the second-string role. His next chance to impress will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 22.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kenneth Walker Could See His Biggest Workload Yet
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker could finally get the kind of workload he never quite had in Seattle. Jesse Newell of The Athletic reports that Walker is primed to be the Chiefs' clear workhorse after spending last season sharing carries with Zach Charbonnet. Walker still topped 1,000 yards, rushing 221 times for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, but he was on the field for only 46.8% of Seattle's offensive snaps. Charbonnet had 184 carries of his own and saw 50 red-zone rushes to Walker's 31. Kansas City has been showing off another part of Walker's game in camp, too, getting him loose on screens more than once. Patrick Mahomes has been openly excited about what Walker can add, and the Chiefs currently list him first on the depth chart ahead of Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson. More work near the goal line and in the passing game would make Walker even more interesting after an already efficient 2025 season.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Kenneth Walker Called an "Absolute Superstar"
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker continues to make a strong impression on his new teammates. According to Charles Goldman, Travis Kelce said Walker is "going to be a hell of a ball player for us," praised his all-around traits, and called him an "absolute superstar" on and off the field. Walker signed with Kansas City in March after rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries for Seattle last season. He added 31 catches for 282 yards, then closed out the year by running for 135 yards and earning MVP honors in Super Bowl LX. The Chiefs have Walker listed first on their unofficial depth chart, and his receiving ability has been noticeable throughout camp, including a touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes on a wheel route Monday. Kelce's comments are still teammate praise, but they fit everything Kansas City has seen from Walker since he arrived. He looks set for a significant role in the Chiefs' offense this season.
Source: Charles Goldman
Source: Charles Goldman
Kenneth Walker Labeled as a Difference-Maker by his New QB
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the addition of running back Kenneth Walker will be the biggest difference-maker in the team's offense in 2026. When asked what will differentiate their struggling 2025 attack from this season's, Mahomes responded, "Number 9. That's all I can say. The ability to catch, run, pass protect, do everything. To make a play from nothing to a 20-yard gain, that's going to be the biggest impact we'll have. I have to find ways to get him the football." Walker signed with the Chiefs this offseason after a Super Bowl MVP season with the Seattle Seahawks. He's currently ranked RB8 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, but it sounds like a 20+ attempt season is in the works for the new Kansas City starting running back.
Source: Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Kansas City Chiefs
Emmett Johnson Working with Second and Third Team in Camp
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Emmett Johnson Named as a Faller in Chiefs Camp
The Athletic's Jesse Newell considers Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson a faller early in training camp this summer after he was selected in the fifth round in April's NFL draft. Newell likes Johnson's long-term prospects with the organization, but as of now, he has "been a clear fourth in the RB pecking order in practices," behind both Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado. At minimum, KC should have plenty of special teams work for the rookie. Head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that the team wants to see Johnson keep his pad level lower while running. "You go high at this level, and you're going to get rearranged," Reid said. "And you don't want that to happen." Right now, the Chiefs feel more comfortable with their other depth options at the position behind RB1 Kenneth Walker III. The 22-year-old from the University of Nebraska could make up some ground as camp goes on and in preseason action, but as things currently stand, he's merely a dynasty/keeper stash.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Brashard Smith Still Needs a Way Into Kansas City's Backfield
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith has a real path to the 53-man roster, but that does not mean he belongs on fantasy rosters. The former seventh-round pick appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, finishing with 44 carries for 151 yards and 25 catches for 172 yards and one touchdown. He flashed in Week 18 with 56 yards on 12 carries, but Kansas City spent the offseason rebuilding the room around him. Kenneth Walker III sits atop the backfield, Emari Demercado adds proven big-play ability, and fifth-round rookie Emmett Johnson brings the same receiving versatility that should have been Smith's best route to touches. The Chiefs' unofficial depth chart lists Smith third at running back and first at both return spots. That special-teams role matters for his job security, not his weekly fantasy ceiling. RotoBaller has him at RB79 in PPR and half-PPR formats. Smith is still only 23, so managers in very deep dynasty leagues can wait through the preseason. In ordinary redraft leagues, and in shallower dynasty formats, there is no reason to use a roster spot unless he climbs the backfield order.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenneth Walker III Poised to Shine in Chiefs' Screen Game?
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III scored a long touchdown on a screen pass in training camp practice on Thursday and brings a new element to the team's screen game in 2026, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. Walker III is entering his first year in Kansas City after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, the 25-year-old recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. Walker III's fantasy upside with the Seahawks was limited due to his shared workload with Seattle back Zach Charbonnet (knee). However, Kansas City appears set to deploy Walker III as a true three-down workhorse. His explosive ability in space could pair especially well with the Chiefs' screen game, which is operated by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and designed by Hall of Fame play-caller Andy Reid. Walker III carries high-end RB1 upside in redraft leagues entering 2026.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Wife of Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy Shot at Home
The wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was shot at the couple's home in Virginia, sources told Nate Taylor of ESPN.com. The Chiefs said in a statement that they are "aware of the incident involving Eric Bieniemy's family," but they didn't provide further details. Bieniemy's wife was shot by the couple's son on Sunday night. Mia Bieniemy, 57, is hospitalized and in stable condition. Police confirmed that she was being treated for "serious injuries" from multiple gunshot wounds. Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. She was reportedly shot in the chest and arm. Bieniemy was with the Chiefs on Sunday for their second practice of training camp, but he was not in attendance for Monday's practice. He returned to KC for the 2026 season after previously serving as head coach Andy Reid's OC from 2018 to 2022.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Kenneth Walker III Primed for Workhorse Role in KC
New Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III finished the 2026 season with the Seattle Seahawks as just the No. 22 fantasy RB in half-PPR scoring after running for 1,027 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts, adding 31 receptions (36 targets) for 282 yards as a pass-catcher. But he went off in the postseason, leading the NFL in carries (65), rushing yards (313), and rushing touchdowns (four) on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP, and he parlayed that into a three-year deal with the Chiefs in free agency in March. Unlike in 2025 when he shared backfield touches with Zach Charbonnet, the 25-year-old former second-rounder out of Michigan State figures to be used as more of a true workhorse in his new digs as the Chiefs look to get back to the playoffs in 2026. Walker earned a reputation for being a run-first back in his four years with the Seahawks, but he suggested that the Chiefs could use him more as a pass-catcher, with rookie Emmett Johnson, Emari Demercado, and Brashard Smith vying for backup duties behind him. Walker also had a reputation for nagging lower-body injuries in Seattle. The volume increase in KC will give him a higher floor as more of a low-end RB1 target in 2026 fantasy drafts, but his injury history will also make him somewhat of an RB1 bust candidate in his first year in the AFC West.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Emmett Johnson has Interesting Handcuff Value
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson could be a sneaky stash option for fantasy managers this season. The Chiefs selected the Nebraska running back in the fourth-round of this year's draft. The expectation is that the rookie back is going to compete for the backup role with Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado. The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to be the workhorse back in Kansas City for years to come. His presence is going to diminish Johnson's overall upside. It's noteworthy that Walker has only played one full season since making his debut in 2022. Fantasy managers should view Johnson as an interesting handcuff candidate give Walker's injury history. The rookie back is certainly someone to look at in the middle rounds of dynasty rookie drafts.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brashard Smith's Best Dynasty Path Runs Through the Passing Game
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith showed enough as a rookie to remain interesting, but the path to a larger role has become crowded. The former college receiver played all 17 games, making one start, and finished with 44 carries for 151 yards. He was more useful through the air, catching 25 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City finally gave him extended backfield work in Week 18, when he handled 12 carries for 56 yards and added two receptions. That was encouraging, but it was also the first time all year the Chiefs treated him like a featured runner. Kenneth Walker III now sits at the front of a rebuilt room, with Emari Demercado and fifth-round rookie Emmett Johnson joining Smith behind him. Johnson caught 46 passes during his final season at Nebraska, so Smith does not have the passing-down job to himself. His experience at receiver and 5-foot-10, 196-pound build still make him a possible space player in Andy Reid's offense. Managers already rostering Smith can wait through training camp. He is not a priority target for contenders or rebuilders, and there is not enough of a 2026 role to treat him as a redraft sleeper.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenneth Walker III has Been a Culture Fit With Chiefs
The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that new running back Kenneth Walker III's "work ethic and no-nonsense style have already been an early culture fit" this offseason alongside Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Chiefs paid up for Walker in free agency on a three-year deal, hoping that he'll add an explosive element to their running game that was sorely lacking in 2025 with the combination of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. The infusion of Walker's work ethic and no-nonsense style has been welcomed after they believed "their work standard and attention to detail slipped" during last year's 6-11 campaign. The 25-year-old had his second 1,000-yard rushing season in four years in the NFL in his final season in Seattle, and he capped it off by being named Super Bowl MVP in the Seahawks' win over the New England Patriots back in early February. If Walker is used more as a pass-catcher in Bieniemy's offense, he'll have an even higher floor as an RB1 in fantasy, although his lengthy history of lower-body injuries also gives him plenty of bust potential. RotoBaller currently has Walker ranked as the No. 9 fantasy RB for his first year in KC in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Can Emmett Johnson Become a Fantasy Contributor in His First Season?
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while Super Bowl MVP and free-agent acquisition Kenneth Walker III is the obvious headliner in a completely revamped running back room, the rookie should not be discounted as a potential Year 1 contributor. Johnson was one of the most productive collegiate runners in the country in 2025, and his work as a pass-catcher could see him step into an early role if he's able to overtake the team's lone returning RB from a season ago, 2025 seventh-round pick Brashard Smith. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has seen his scramble rate increase in recent years, but after a season-ending ACL tear in 2025, he may become more reliant on checkdowns to his running backs as he continues to regain trust in his surgically repaired left knee. And with Walker's own checkered injury history, Johnson takes on added value as a potential insurance back in an offense looking to rebound from several uncharacteristically lean years. Johnson is at the very least a name to remember at the end of deeper 2026 drafts, and as RotoBaller's dynasty RB47, he could be viewed as an undervalued asset worth targeting as part of a larger trade.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brashard Smith a Dynasty Drop Candidate as he Fights to Keep a Roster Spot
After a season in which the Kansas City Chiefs finished near the bottom of the league in rush attempts, rushing yards, and field-flipping runs, the team completely overhauled the running back position, leaving their lone returner from last season, Brashard Smith, fighting for a roster spot. A seventh-round pick in 2025, Smith finished his rookie season third on the team in running back carries and yards, but without a single back on the roster reaching four yards per carry, the Chiefs have since moved on from Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. Kansas City signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million deal and spent a fifth-round pick on Nebraska's Emmett Johnson. Johnson was one of the most productive collegiate running backs in his class, and his abilities in the passing game could make Smith's role redundant. The Chiefs rounded out the room with veteran Emari Demercado, who has been one of the league's most efficient backs in his limited usage with the Cardinals. Likely sitting somewhere close to fourth on a depth chart topped by a player with true bell cow abilities, Smith is not a player who needs to be held in dynasty leagues, and he has fallen to RotoBaller's RB75.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
