So where do Chiefs, Hunt go from here?
Kareem Hunt went from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field to looking for a job in about six hours, a spectacular fall for the NFL’s reigning rushing champ.
The Pro Bowl running back had been preparing for today’s game at Oakland when a months-old video surfaced online Friday. The footage from a Cleveland hotel security camera showed Hunt shoving and kicking a woman, with police ultimately responding. No charges were filed.
The Chiefs immediately sent Hunt home as the TMZ video rippled across social media. An organization that prides itself on providing second chances said in a statement it had released the 23-year-old star.
The question now for both the Chiefs and Hunt is simple: What’s next?
The Chiefs (9-2) are barreling toward the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and the loss of their leading rusher is substantial. Hunt already had run for more than 800 yards and scored 14 TDs, helping Kansas City form one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
However, the falloff to Spencer Ware might not be that significant. The Chiefs’ backup was the unquestioned starter heading into last season, even after the team made Hunt their third-round pick. It wasn’t until Ware — whose skill set closely mirrors that of Hunt — went down with a season-ending knee injury in the preseason that the rookie took over.
The Chiefs are also confident in backups Damien Williams and Darrel Williams. And with a soft schedule down the stretch, including two games against the Raiders, there is plenty of time for their offense to adjust to life without Hunt. What happens to Hunt? The NFL had no comment beyond saying Hunt was on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he can’t play or attend games while the league investigates.
Hunt issued a brief apology, a small first step toward getting another chance. And there are many more steps Hunt needs to take before he can play again.
RAVENS PUT RB COLLINS ON IR >> Ravens running back Alex Collins was placed on injured reserve, ending a disappointing season for one of the NFL’s breakout stars of 2017.
Bothered by an ailing knee earlier this season, Collins was inactive last week with a foot injury. He did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday, but was a full participant Friday, seemingly progressing toward a return to action.
His IR designation comes almost three weeks after the emergence of undrafted rookie Gus Edwards, who has paired with rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson to form one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks.
In a corresponding move, the Ravens activated running back Kenneth Dixon. The often-sidelined Dixon suffered a knee injury in the season opener. After being designated to return from IR on Nov. 16, he had to be added to the 53-man roster by Friday or else revert to IR for the remainder of the season. FINES HANDED OUT >> Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson was fined $33,425 for fighting by the NFL. Lawson was ejected from Sunday’s 24-21 win for fighting with Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette was suspended for one game and will miss today’s matchup with AFC South rival Indianapolis.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was fined $13,369 for unsportsmanlike conduct for celebrations involving the giant Salvation Army red kettle behind the end zone during Dallas’ win over Washington on Thanksgiving. Elliott dropped $21 (his uniform number) into the kettle after scoring an early touchdown.