The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 after finishing with a 6-11 record. With hopes of returning to Super Bowl contention in 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ front office made a big swing to sign Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III, who is expected to be used as a dynamic running back, as reportedly hinted by head coach Andy Reid.

“Chiefs coach Andy Reid says RB Kenneth Walker III worked a lot two years ago out of shotgun and last year primarily under center,” The Athletic’s Jesse Newell reported via X. “Says his stats were good in both. Reid says Chiefs feel like they have an RB who can be effective in either setting.”

The 2025 season was a disappointing year for the Chiefs’ running offense, with the franchise finishing in the bottom half of the NFL in basic rushing metrics. Kansas City ran the third-most plays from the shotgun formation (811) and was one of several teams with a similar offense to miss the playoffs. Hence, bringing in a player of Kenneth Walker’s quality and attributes presents new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy a myriad of options for the running game.

Last year, the Seattle Seahawks preferred an under-center approach from him, where they recorded 225 attempts, 1,068 yards (4.7 yards/attempt), and six touchdowns. Similarly, looking at the numbers from the shotgun approach, they produced 51 attempts, 252 yards (4.9 yards/attempt), and three touchdowns.

With these numbers, it’s clear that Kenneth Walker can perform in both roles/formations, and hence Andy Reid had a simple instruction for the star running back who posted 1,027 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns last season.

“He’s a good football player, and it won’t change. He’s not gonna change coming to us,” Reid said, according to NFL.com. “He’s still going to be a good football player. As long as he stays healthy and moves forward, good things can happen for you. We know that the run game’s important, and we’ve got good offensive linemen in front of him, so that will be a plus for him. It should be a plus for our football team.”

For the Chiefs, Kenneth Walker will be a key offensive weapon as the franchise could miss QB1 Patrick Mahomes for the initial part of the season as he continues his recovery from his season-ending injury. When asked about Mahomes’ return, the Chiefs’ head coach issued an uncertain update.

Andy Reid issues uncertain update about Mahomes’ return

Mahomes was ruled out of the 2025 season after going down with a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 14. Since then, the star quarterback has been working hard as Mahomes has conducted most of his daily rehab in Kansas City with Chiefs physical therapist Julie Frymyer. Additionally, he is traveling to Dallas for checkups with Dr. Dan Cooper (who performed his surgery) and his team.

However, when Andy Reid was asked about Patrick Mahomes’ return, the Kansas City head coach issued an uncertain response during his interview with Judy Battista.

“He’s doing great,” Andy Reid said. “He spends a ton of time in the building… He’s in there for seven hours a day. It’s showing the progress. Now, to tell you a timeline? I mean, I know what he’s striving for. We’ll see where it goes from there.”

While Patrick Mahomes’ return for the 2026 season remains under a cloud of doubt, the Chiefs can focus on a dynamic run-first offense led by their new signing, Kenneth Walker, and kick-start their return to Super Bowl contention.