Andy Reid: Kenneth Walker wants the ball every play, doesn't want to be relieved

Published September 22, 2026 10:19 AM Through two weeks, Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker looks like one of the true prizes of free agency. Walker currently leads the league in carries (47), rushing yards (290), touches (56), and yards from scrimmage (369).But that usage rate also comes with some concerns, particularly at that position. Rookie Emmett Johnson has spelled Walker a bit, and he’s been effective with 39 yards rushing and four receptions for 64 yards. His snaps are likely to increase as the year goes on.“Well, I think the way I look at it is … that’s part of the equation, but the other part is allowing Emmett to grow,” head coach Andy Reid said in his Monday video conference, via transcript from the team. “And so, I think Emmett will continue to get more snaps and then it’ll take a little bit of load, off Kenny, but he wants that ball. He wants a ball every play, Ken does, and he’s not asking to be relieved or anything else.“But I think as it goes on, you get a nice balance with those two in there and then it keeps them even more fresh as the season goes on.”After an overtime victory over the Colts on Sunday night, the Chiefs will face the Dolphins on the road in Week 3. Based on Miami’s results over the past two weeks, this upcoming game could be an opportunity to get Johnson more carries to spell Walker.