As the Kansas City Chiefs dive into their 2025 training camp, the coaching staff faces the daunting task of trimming their stacked 91-man roster down to a lean 53 for Week 1 of the NFL season. With a roster brimming with talent, tough decisions loom large, and one surprising cut is already making waves. According to Arrowhead Pride insider Pete Sweeney, veteran running back Elijah Mitchell, a recent free-agent acquisition, is on the chopping block just months after joining the Chiefs.
In his July 22 roster projection, Sweeney outlined a fiercely competitive running back group, with only two players—Isiah Pacheco and rookie Brashard Smith—considered locks. Pacheco, bulking up for a pivotal contract year, remains the undisputed starter, while Smith, a seventh-round draft pick, has quickly emerged as a dynamic gadget player and potential return specialist. Sweeney predicts that veterans Kareem Hunt and Carson Steele will round out a four-man running back room, leaving Mitchell as the odd man out.
Sweeney’s reasoning hinges on Mitchell’s checkered injury history and limited special teams experience. Despite Mitchell securing a larger signing bonus and guaranteed money than Hunt, Sweeney remains skeptical, noting, “Mitchell’s historical lack of durability” makes him a risky bet. Meanwhile, special teams coordinator Dave Toub appears to have big plans for Steele, who logged 55 snaps as a fullback in 2024 and brings versatility to the unit.
While the Chiefs’ running back room has been relatively quiet during OTAs and minicamp, rookie Brashard Smith has been anything but. The former wide receiver, converted to running back, has turned heads with his explosive playmaking. On day two of training camp (July 23), A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman highlighted Smith’s “speed and versatility,” noting his potential as a third-down weapon.
KSHB 41’s Nick Jacobs added fuel to the hype, describing a play where Patrick Mahomes connected with Smith on a wheel route, with the rookie “showing off his speed [and] pulling away quickly.” Goldman emphasized that Smith’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield fills a void left since Jerick McKinnon’s departure. Additionally, Smith’s work as a return specialist—fielding several punts during practice—further bolsters his case for a roster spot.
“Smith could make an impact as a third-down back this season,” Goldman wrote, though he cautioned that Smith’s pass-protection skills, which will be tested when pads come on next week, will be critical to securing his role.
With Pacheco and Smith seemingly locked in, the battle for the remaining spots intensifies. Kareem Hunt holds an edge due to the coaching staff’s trust and his knack for short-yardage situations. Carson Steele’s special teams contributions and fullback experience make him a valuable asset, but Sweeney suggests the Chiefs might opt for an unconventional move: cutting an extra running back to keep a 10th offensive lineman.
If Kansas City trims their running back room to just three players, Steele’s versatility could still keep him safe, leaving Mitchell as the most likely casualty. The decision would be a bold one, especially considering Mitchell’s recent signing, but it underscores the Chiefs’ relentless pursuit of roster optimization as they chase another Super Bowl.
Elijah Mitchell’s potential release is a stark reminder of the NFL’s cutthroat nature, even for a powerhouse like the Chiefs. As training camp unfolds, all eyes will be on the running back competition, with Brashard Smith’s meteoric rise and the coaching staff’s strategic priorities shaping the final roster. For now, Mitchell’s future in Kansas City hangs in the balance, and Chiefs fans are left bracing for more surprises in what promises to be a thrilling preseason.