Kareem Hunt injury update: Latest on Chiefs RB for Fantasy Football Week 5

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was only able to participate in a limited capacity in practice on Thursday due to a shoulder issue. This raised immediate concerns about his availability for the Week 5 Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints.

While there is currently no indication that Hunt will not play on Monday, fantasy managers can continue to have faith. However, given the recent loss of offensive players like Isiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice, the Chiefs might have to give the 29-year-old’s health top priority.

If Kareem Hunt fully participates in practice on Friday or Saturday before the Chiefs' Week 5 matchup with the Saints, he will likely start at running back. However, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire expected to return to the lineup in the coming weeks, Hunt may see reduced playing time in the backfield.

Fantasy managers will have a better understanding of Hunt's possible availability for the game on Friday or Saturday.

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Kareem Hunt's injury update: What happened to the Chiefs' RB?

Kareem Hunt played in his first game of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Chargers, accounting for 45% of the team's snap share. In that game, he recorded two receptions on three targets for 16 yards and ran the ball 14 times for 69 yards.

Hunt was limited in practice on Thursday, though, as it seems he hurt his shoulder on his last carry on Sunday. The Chiefs' next game is slated for Monday, so the extra day of rest the players will have should allow Hunt the opportunity to get himself fit for Week 5, but the team may be careful with him, given their impending bye.

Carson Steele and Samaje Perine would likely shoulder the bulk of the job in the Chiefs' backfield if Hunt is sidelined for Monday's game.

The Chiefs decided to sign Hunt in the middle of September, days after RB1 Isiah Pacheco sustained a fractured right fibula. A day after going down late in the Chiefs' Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, which ended in a 26-25 victory, Pacheco was placed on injured reserve. Numerous reports state that he could need up to two months off to recuperate.

Hunt played with the Cleveland Browns for the last five seasons, but he was originally selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. The 2023 campaign saw him rush for 411 yards and nine touchdowns.