Longtime Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is still looking for his next NFL home, and could have an unexpected opportunity after an injury to Las Vegas Raiders back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty went down in the team’s practice on Sunday with a knee injury. While the team has not yet shared any details on the severity of the injury, there were some immediate fears that it could be serious.
If the Raiders were to lose Jeanty for any extended period, Hunt is seen as a top replacement candidate.
Kareem Hunt Could Fill in for Ashton Jeanty
NFL analyst Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus broke down the potential replacements for the Raiders if they lose Jeanty for an extended period. He noted a pair of trade candidates alongside Hunt.
“If the Ashton Jeanty injury is serious, they should try to trade for Tyrone Tracy or James Conner. Kareem Hunt might be their best free agent option,” Jahnke wrote in a post on X.
Hunt started his NFL career with the Chiefs in 2017, rushing for a career-high 1,327 yards that season. While he has not been able to match that same level of production, he has remained a steady running back through nine NFL seasons.
Hunt returned to the Chiefs in 2024, and last season took 163 carries for 611 yards with eight touchdowns, adding 18 receptions for 143 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Details on Ashton Jeanty’s Injury Remain Scarce
There is still no clarity on just how long the Raiders could be without Jeanty. The Athletic’s Sam Warren noted that he was hurt on a non-contact play, landing awkwardly after diving for a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The team treated the injury seriously, and teammates appeared to fear that it could be significant, Warren noted.
“He quickly received medical attention on the field from team trainers before being helped off the field, but he was unable to put any weight on his right leg. He did not return,” Warren reported. “After Jeanty was helped off the field, the Raiders took a knee and held a silent moment of prayer. Practice resumed moments later.”
The Raiders were expected to lean heavily on Jeanty, who rushed for 975 yards in his rookie season. Jeanty told reporters in July that he expected to improve across the board in his second NFL season.
“I think just to take a step forward in each and every facet of the game,” Jeanty said, via The Athletic. “I wouldn’t say so much stats-wise, but I think if I just continue to get better, then all those things will come.”
Jeanty was immediately replaced by rookie Mike Washington Jr., who took the rest of the first-team snaps after Jeanty’s injury on Sunday. Washington had already been sharing first-team carries before the injury, and new head coach Klint Kubiak suggested the rookie running back was on his way to a meaningful role.
“Guys are earning roles,” Kubiak said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We’re gathering information. He’s a young guy, so we’re learning more about him. But when guys are having success, they carve out roles and that’s where he’s headed… But I’ll say it again. Mike’s doing a great job running the ball. We have to keep getting him better in all facets of his game.”
Longtime Chiefs RB Named Candidate to Replace Ashton Jeanty After Injury