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Kareem Hunt

Receiving back working with wide receivers

When considering No. 2 running backs around the league, there aren't many (any?) better than Kareem Hunt. If Nick Chubb should get hurt, Hunt is one of those guys who could win fantasy leagues -- he'd probably be an every-snap guy on a roster where the next-in-line guys are Dontrell Hilliard and D'Ernest Johnson. And he might be a solid choice even if Chubb stays healthy.

In his three years in the league (seems like longer), Hunt has been one of the league's best receiving backs -- both in Kansas City for two seasons, and in his half-season with the Browns. He's averaged over 3 catches for 32 yards, which slots him up with the league's very best receiving backs over that time frame. That's among players with at least 32 games (as a starter or 3rd-down back).

RUNNING BACK RECEIVING/GAME, 2017-2019
PlayerStRecYds
Christian McCaffrey486.352.6
Alvin Kamara425.547.4
LeVeon Bell425.441.2
David Johnson404.041.2
James White (3rd)614.539.0
Chris Thompson (3rd)463.732.7
Tarik Cohen (3rd)484.232.1
Kareem Hunt353.331.9
Duke Johnson (3rd)483.431.9
Melvin Gordon533.631.7
Todd Gurley603.331.7
Theo Riddick (3rd)404.230.0
Jalen Richard (3rd)323.329.1
Ezekiel Elliott563.428.9
Leonard Fournette363.728.0
Devonta Freeman443.427.0
Nyheim Hines (3rd)323.323.3
LeSean McCoy453.223.2
Giovani Bernard (3rd)522.721.6
Tevin Coleman542.020.7
Joe Mixon442.519.8
Mark Ingram582.619.6
Lamar Miller442.115.4
Isaiah Crowell452.014.5
Matt Breida391.614.1
Frank Gore521.713.7
Carlos Hyde522.011.3
Jordan Howard541.410.8
Derrick Henry610.98.4
Peyton Barber321.16.5
LeGarrette Blount480.53.2

As a nod to that ability, Hunt has been participating in virtual meetings with the team's wide receivers, according to pass game coordinator/wide receiver coach Chad O'Shea. These are virtual meetings, of course, so it's not as if he's actually out working as a wideout, but he's apparently a candidate for No. 3 receiver snaps, behind Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham. Rashard Higgins is probably the favorite, but if Hunt gets some of those chances, it will be easier for him to be a viable option even if Chubb stays healthy. Could be a very big role in the passing game, not only as a third-down back but possibly on the field even when Chubb is in the game as the main runner.

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index