Former Chiefs play big role in primetime win

The Kansas City Chiefs exercised a “next-man-up” mentality in their Monday night win over the New Orleans Saints, leaning on two free agent gems. Kareem Hunt and JuJu Smith-Schuster were two former Chiefs sitting on the free agent market for any team to snatch them up. Neither team went into training camp with the Chiefs before the regular season, and yet, both played crucial roles on Monday night as the team continues to work through injuries.

Hunt was signed following the loss of Isiah Pacheco for several weeks due to a broken fibula Pacheco had suffered in Week 2. The former Chiefs third round pick in 2017 has carried a heavy workload since making his debut for the team in 2024. Hunt carried the ball 27 times in the win over New Orleans for 102 yards rushing and a touchdown.



The former Cleveland Brown offered a heart gesture to the crowd following the score. “I'm having a blast out there,” Hunt said. “It's a great feeling to get back in the end zone.

I missed it very much. That's why I threw up a heart, you know, to show my love for Kansas City.” Smith-Schuster signed and made his return to Kansas City weeks prior to the start of the regular season.

The former USC Trojan was with the Chiefs in 2022 and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl in Arizona that season. Smith-Schuster was released by the New England Patriots prior to re-signing with the Chiefs. With the news of star receiver Rashee Rice possibly out for the season with a knee injury, Smith-Schuster made the most of his opportunities in the first game without Rice, tallying seven catches for 130 yards.

“I've always bet on myself. I came here on a one year deal, bet on myself and it worked out for me. so coming back here was kind of like a no-brainer, Smith-Schuster said.

The Chiefs head into their bye week at 5-0 and one of two teams in the NFL still undefeated. The Chiefs will return in Week 7 for a Super Bowl rematch with the 49ers in San Francisco..