Kareem Hunt is coming back to Kansas City.
With starting running back Isiah Pacheco likely out through October, the Chiefs are signing Hunt to their practice squad, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Hunt rejoins the Chiefs nearly six years after he was waived by Kansas City following a December 2018 incident in which video showed him pushing and kicking a woman during an altercation at a Cleveland hotel.
As a rookie in 2017, Hunt won the rushing title with 1,327 yards and was a Pro Bowler. He was a perfect fit for the Chiefs at the time.
Now, Hunt will look to bridge the gap for the Chiefs until Pacheco returns.
Pacheco is expected to be gone for at least the next six weeks tending to a broken fibula he sustained in the Chiefs’ win Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
With the Hunt signing, the Chiefs are hoping the 29-year-old can aid a backfield that currently houses rookie fullback Carson Steele and running back Samaje Perine, who’s been with the team roughly three weeks since he was cut by the Denver Broncos. Veteran back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is currently on the non-football illness list and not eligible to return until Week 5.
From 2019 through last season, Hunt played for the Cleveland Browns, seeing time in 64 games over that span with 2,285 rushing yards and 3,342 scrimmage yards. In comparison, during his time with Kansas City, which turned out to be 27 games, he ran for 2,151 yards and had 2,984 scrimmage yards.
The Chiefs aren't hoping for the version of Hunt who lit the league on fire in his first two seasons, but they are looking for a veteran to help them in the interim while Pacheco heals up.