Kansas City Chiefs running back depth chart evolves amid training camp intensity

The Kansas City Chiefs' running back depth chart is undergoing significant shifts during training camp. Kenneth Walker III, signed to a three-year, $43.05 million contract, has secured the RB1 position. However, the battle for the RB2 role has seen second-year player Brashard Smith emerge as a primary candidate over rookie Emmett Johnson.

Smith, who served mainly as a pass-catching back during his rookie season, has earned consistent first-team reps due to his experience with head coach Andy Reid's offense and his skills in pass protection. Johnson, a fifth-round draft pick from Nebraska, has reportedly fallen to fourth on the coaching staff's preference list for the position.

Training camp has also been marked by physical intensity involving Walker III. During a recent practice, Walker engaged in a heated physical altercation with safety Alohi Gilman after a collision, an incident that required teammates and coaching staff to intervene. This follows a separate incident on July 31, where Walker threw a football at linebacker Drue Tranquill following a collision during a 7-on-7 drill.