Hunt gets shot with 1st string

Kareem Hunt got his first taste with the Chiefs’ first string Aug. 19 in Cincinnati.

The Willoughby South graduate did not disappoint during Kansas City’s preseason game against the Bengals.

In a little bit more than a quarter of work, Hunt rushed eight times for 40 yards and had three receptions for 23 yards. He played 17 snaps in total.

The workload was a big shift from the first preseason game vs. the 49ers. In that game, Hunt had just two touches, a rushing attempt and a catch.

Against the Bengals, Spencer Ware, No. 1 on the team’s depth at running back, took the game’s first carry for 3 yards.

Hunt then entered the game and carried three straight times for 11 yards. The drive ended with a K.C. field goal, and Hunt carried it four times for 22 yards and had one catch for 6 yards.

On the Chiefs’ next drive, which started at the Bengals’ 46, Hunt went around the left tackle and ran 25 yards to the 21. He also had a goal-line carry from the 6 but gained just 1 yard.

Hunt’s performance is likely a good sign for the rookie from the University of Toledo. He finished with 11 touches and 63 total yards.

Comments this week from Chiefs running backs coach Eric Bieniemy could be foreshadowing to a Chiefs youth movement with Hunt being the focus.

“We have a young Kareem Hunt, who has been doing an outstanding job picking up the offense, doing a great job of running the ball, doing a great job of learning how to protect the proper way,” Bieniemy told reporters.

“Also, he is doing a great job of catching the football.”