McCoy merely gravy on offense

KANSAS CITY, MO. The Kansas City Chiefs are under no preconceptions that the LeSean McCoy they officially signed Monday is the same running back who was a twotime all- pro with the Philadelphia Eagles.

They don’t need him to be, either.

The Chiefs have a clear- cut starter in Damien Williams and two young, capable backups in second- year pro Darrel Williams and rookie Darwin Thompson. So whatever McCoy can provide after his release by Buffalo is gravy, whether that is on- field production or locker- room leadership.

“There were a lot of teams that called in and I thought this was the best fit,” McCoy said. “You see this offense, I’m just trying to fit in a small part. These guys are rolling.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid was responsible for drafting McCoy in Philadelphia, and the six- time Pro Bowl pick wound up playing his first four seasons for him. McCoy played two more with the Eagles after Reid was fired and landed in Kansas City, then spent the past four seasons in Buffalo.

But he was released over the weekend in a surprise move, and several teams immediately expressed interest, including the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. But the relationship McCoy had with Reid and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach — and McCoy’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus — made for a relatively quick negotiation, and McCoy was in the Chiefs’ practice facility to sign his contract Monday.

Now, the trick will be to get up to speed in time to offer some help Sunday in Jacksonville.

“We’ll see what he can pick up in a short period of time, how comfortable he is with it,” Reid said. “He’s a pretty sharp kid. He’s been practicing and playing, so conditioning is not an issue.”

McCoy should have some familiarity with the offense from his days with Reid in Philadelphia, but the coach acknowledged some elements have changed dramatically the past few years. The Chiefs run more run- pass options, play at a quicker pace and cater to MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“I’ve been in the playbook all day,” McCoy said. “Some of the terminology is different but a lot of the concepts are the same. Coach has a lot more wrinkles than before.”

Reid said he wouldn’t put McCoy “out there in a bad situation without knowing the plays,” so his package may be limited Sunday. Besides, Reid said, “we have other guys who can play, too.”

That is where McCoy might just be the most valuable.

Damien Williams has the most experience, but that is still just 74 games over parts of five seasons and a total of 733 yards rushing.