Kansas City running back Kenneth Walker has opened the season in impressive fashion, earning a significant share of the offensive workload.
Walker paced the NFL in carries over the first two weeks and matched Jahmyr Gibbs for the league lead in total offensive touches. That volume prompted questions for head coach Andy Reid earlier in the week regarding potential workload management over the long season. On Thursday, running backs coach DeMarco Murray fielded similar inquiries during his press conference.
Murray acknowledged that Walker “likes the ball a lot and I like giving it to him,” but indicated that integrating rookie Emmett Johnson more frequently is a priority heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Dolphins.
“It’s more of a feel for me,” Murray said. “Obviously, I want Kenneth to get into a groove and, as you guys have seen these first two games, it’s hard to kind of take him out. But Emmett’s done a great job and he’s still learning. He’ll continue to get more opportunities. I’ve just got to pull the trigger and get No. 9 out of there and put No. 10 in there.”
Johnson has compiled 103 yards on 14 touches so far this season, presenting a compelling change-of-pace option. Facing an overmatched Miami squad this weekend could provide the ideal scenario for Murray and the Chiefs’ staff to afford Walker some additional rest.
