This Could Be Emmett Johnson’s Breakout Game

The Kansas City Chiefs suddenly have a running back problem, and it’s not going to be easy to solve. Kenneth Walker III has been listed at questionable for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons because of a groin issue, and his status is uncertain. 

Coach Andy Reid has said the Chiefs “aren’t going to put him at risk,” according to Nate Taylor of ESPN, and in Reid’s unique injury vernacular that means the injury is potentially serious. Walker has been the Chiefs do-it-all back so far, and they’d be almost as vulnerable without him as they would be without quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

But the Chiefs do have a backup plan here, and it’s rookie running back Emmett Johnson, who’s shown flashes in his appearances to date. Johnson has been explosive as a receiver out of the backfield, and he’s shown some of the same dogged toughness Walker has displayed running between the tackles when it’s time to grind out some extra yardage. 

Johnson may or may not be ready for a full-time role, but guard Trey Smith says he’ll be “ready to go.” Smith talked up Johnson’s energy and “juice,” adding that he “oozes” enthusiasm, emotion and positive energy. Rookie Jaydn Ott also took some snaps last week, so he could be pressed into service as well. 

The Chiefs have other options available if they do have to shift away from the run game, and Kansas City certainly has been in this situation before. Receiver Xavier Worthy will be available after injuring his hamstring in the second half of Kansas City’s 35-12 win over the New York Jets, and the Chiefs added receiver Josh Downs in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts this week. 

Downs is still learning the playbook, though, so this will be Johnson’s opportunity to shine. He’s shown that he’s capable of handing the pass blocking chores that come with playing with Mahomes, and he’s been able to make the adjustments that are mandatory when the quarterback makes changes at the line of scrimmage. 

Johnson currently has 111 yards for the season on 26 carries to go with a rushing touchdown, and he’s really stood out as a receiver. The rookie has an eye-popping per-catch average of 16.9 yards on 14 receptions, including a 73-yard catch-and-run touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. 

The Chiefs won’t hesitate to use Johnson heavily, either. This is what they drafted him for, and plenty of fifth-round picks have risen up to have quick success in the NFL.