Next man up is an NFL cliche, but it’s a philosophy that the Chiefs have always lived by.

They’ve had some bad luck in the past when it comes to running back injuries. In October of 2015, Chiefs great Jamaal Charles suffered a knee injury that ultimately ended his career with the team. Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware were there to carry the load. In 2017 Spencer Ware went out with season-ending injury during the preseason, sure enough Kareem Hunt was waiting in the wings to take over. These contingency plans have saved the Chiefs’ seasons in a big way in the past.

With a video released of a February incident involving Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt, it’s unclear whether he’ll be suspended or placed on the commissioners exempt list, the Chiefs will need to be prepared to enact their 2018 contingency plan if Hunt misses any time.

Let’s start with Spencer Ware.

Ware carried the load for the Chiefs during the 2016 season and finished the season with 1,368 scrimmage yards and 5 total touchdowns. He was on injured reserve during the 2017 season, but the Chiefs have slowly brought him along and he’s finally beginning to look like his old self again.

This is why Spencer Ware is the go to 3rd down RB. This chip block came from another dimension. I do wish Watkins woulda thrown his shoulder into Ramsey instead of the stiff arm. pic.twitter.com/1IpB6hoAf9 — Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) October 8, 2018

Ware is also on the field often when the Chiefs face a 3rd & long situation. His pass protection skills are well above the Chiefs other running backs including Hunt. He can really help buy Patrick Mahomes some extra time on those passing downs with chip blocks or even hanging in the pocket as an extra blocker.

Ware isn’t the only Chiefs player in the mix here though. The Chiefs have yet to utilize undrafted free agent Darrel Williams this season. He was active for only one game, but didn’t log a single carry. During the preseason though Williams was extremely impressive, especially catching the ball out of the backfield.

Matt McGloin ➡️ Darrel Williams for 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/O6FsQjOoS7 — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 31, 2018

Against the Packers he scored on the above wheel route, showing good speed and soft hands. This was with the Chiefs’ third team offense of course so keep that in mind. Williams did rotate and play with both the second and third team offenses throughout the preseason. The team also chose to roster him on the 53-man roster as opposed to leaving him on the practice squad.

In other games Williams also had an opportunity to show off ability to avoid tackles in the open field. He’s got some of that elusiveness and speed to his game. Plays like this are certainly reminiscent of some of the big play potential Hunt has sported during his career with the Chiefs.

Damien Williams (not to be confused with the aforementioned Darrel Williams) is also an option for the Chiefs. He’s mostly been utilized on special teams this season and I suspect that will remain the case.

At the end of the day the Chiefs have a lot of options at the running back position. While they’ll certainly miss their star running back if he does miss time, to say it would sink their season and post-season hopes would be a stretch and quite premature.