By Jeremy
The Chiefs’ 28-24 loss to Denver offered plenty to regret, but it also gave Kansas City something worth examining: rookie running back Emmett Johnson produced 187 all-purpose yards and looked comfortable making consequential plays. One afternoon does not settle a backfield rotation. It should, however, change how often the Chiefs look for him.
The receiving plays deserve a closer look
Johnson’s biggest moments came through the air. He caught five passes for 128 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown against a Denver blitz and a 38-yard catch-and-run that helped set up a field goal before halftime. Those plays showed more than straight-line speed. On the touchdown, Johnson got free, tracked Patrick Mahomes’ throw and finished the play along the sideline.
His 187-yard total also needs context: 143 yards came from scrimmage, while a 44-yard kickoff return accounted for the rest. That return mattered, giving the Chiefs a late opportunity, but the strongest argument for a bigger offensive role is what Johnson did as a receiver. He also gained 15 yards on his only carry.
More Johnson does not mean less faith in Walker
Kenneth Walker III remains the lead back, and Johnson’s five catches should not prompt Kansas City to redraw the depth chart after one game. Walker can handle the central rushing role while Johnson gets a more deliberate package of snaps. The question is whether the Chiefs can make opponents account for both players without making Johnson’s appearances too predictable.
That could mean giving Johnson chances on early downs, not just sending him out when a pass seems obvious. A few designed targets and additional carries would let the coaching staff test whether his production holds up when defenses expect to see more of him. It would also keep Walker from having to shoulder every meaningful backfield touch.
There is a reasonable caution here: two long receptions made Johnson’s stat line spectacular, and explosive plays will not arrive every week. Blocking assignments, ball security and consistency still matter. But Kansas City need not choose between declaring him a star and treating Denver as a fluke. The sensible next step is a larger, repeatable role—one that gives Johnson a chance to prove the Broncos game was the start of something useful, not its peak.