Running back Kareem Hunt, who recently joined the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, will not be participating in the team's upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, confirmed by head coach Andy Reid on Friday. Coach Reid mentioned that Hunt had a productive week of practice with the scout team, helping him ease back into football activities. Although he won't be playing this week, Reid expressed optimism about Hunt's conditioning and readiness to return to the field in the near future.

In Hunt's absence, the Chiefs are set to deploy a trio of running backs for the game against the Falcons. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, veteran Samaje Perine, and Keaontay Ingram, who was promoted from the practice squad this week, will fill in the running back positions. Hunt’s signing came after the team lost Isiah Pacheco due to a broken fibula, leading to Pacheco being placed on injured reserve this week.

Originally selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 draft, Hunt made a significant impact in his rookie season, amassing 1,327 rushing yards, 53 receptions, and 11 touchdowns. However, his tenure with the team was cut short in 2018 following off-field controversy, which led to his release after the emergence of a video showing him involved in a physical altercation. After leaving Kansas City, Hunt spent five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, with standout performances in 2020 when he rushed for 841 yards and caught 38 passes. Last season, he recorded 411 rushing yards and 15 receptions for the Browns.