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2026 NFL backfield

Kansas City Chiefs running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Kenneth Walker III

Preferred handcuff

Emmett Johnson

The Week 1 chart and Reid's pass-protection comments identify Johnson as RB2.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Kenneth Walker III’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

A Sept. 8 report of Kansas City's first Week 1 depth chart lists Kenneth Walker, Emmett Johnson and Brashard Smith in that order. Andy Reid had also said Johnson's pass protection was what he needed to show to be the No. 2. Official Chiefs practice photos dated Sept. 11 show Walker, Johnson and Smith participating, supporting current practice availability. Johnson matches the deterministic choice.

The Week 1 depth chart places Johnson behind Walker. Reid highlighted his pass protection when discussing the No. 2 role. Official Friday practice captions include Johnson, Walker and Smith; this is practice evidence, not confirmation of Monday activation.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Kansas City Chiefs, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Kansas City Chiefs full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Kenneth Walker IIIPublished starter		Three-down back2022 · Round 2 · Pick 41active
RB2
Emmett JohnsonPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2026 · Round 5 · Pick 161active
RB3
Brashard Smith		Receiving back2025 · Round 7 · Pick 228active
Unlisted
Ben VanSumeren		FullbackDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Jaydn Ott		Role under review2026 · Undraftedpractice squad
Unlisted
Nathan Carter		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Kenneth Walker III

Age 25 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Reigning Super Bowl MVP and PFF's highest-graded back in 2025, now the clear feature runner in Andy Reid's offense. Elite talent on all three downs; the caveat is a long pattern of recurring soft-tissue and ankle injuries.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 2 · Pick 41

Drafted by SEA; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 221 carries and 31 receptions on 36 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Emmett Johnson

Age 22 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Rookie who Andy Reid has effectively confirmed as the top backup, moving ahead of Brashard Smith. Given Walker's ankle history he is a live handcuff, but he has no NFL snaps and Kansas City would probably split work if Walker sat.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Kenneth Walker III. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Kenneth Walker III. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 5 · Pick 161

Drafted by KC; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Receiving back

Brashard Smith

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Converted receiver used as a space/passing-down back who appears to be sliding down the chart behind the rookie Johnson. A gadget and third-down piece, not an every-down replacement.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Kenneth Walker III. The dated board currently prefers Emmett Johnson for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Kenneth Walker III, Emmett Johnson. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 7 · Pick 228

Drafted by KC; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 44 carries and 25 receptions on 35 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Fullback

Ben VanSumeren

Age 26 · 4 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Ben VanSumeren is a four-year veteran listed by KC at FB, from Michigan State. The official roster lists him at 6-2 and 231 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

His rostered path is through fullback depth, blocking and special teams. Any ball-carrying or receiving work would depend on an active-roster elevation and a team-specific game plan.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jaydn Ott

Age 23 · Rookie · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Jaydn Ott is a rookie listed by KC at RB, from Oklahoma. The official roster lists him at 5-11 and 208 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Nathan Carter

Age 24 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Nathan Carter is a second-year player listed by KC at RB, from Michigan State. The official roster lists him at 5-10 and 202 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Kenneth Walker III
1722131130911.3
Emmett Johnson
—————
Ben VanSumeren
—————
Brashard Smith
1744253233.7
Jaydn Ott
—————
Nathan Carter
—————
Kenneth Walker III: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1316 touches
Wk 1411 touches
Wk 1510 touches
Wk 1614 touches
Wk 1717 touches
Wk 1820 touches
Brashard Smith: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 130 touches
Wk 141 touches
Wk 152 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 173 touches
Wk 1814 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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