The football gods don’t always deal you the best hand when you’re the two-time reigning champs. That’s exactly what the Chiefs are up against right now. Injuries are stacking up ahead of the Saints clash, and that 4-0 perfect record? It’s in jeopardy. But hold on, Chiefs Kingdom—there might be some hope brewing after Kareem Hunt’s optimistic update.

On his shoulder injury, Hunt said, “I’m not worried about it. Yeah, I’ll be ready to rock.” While Hunt’s optimism is a relief, the real question is about the wide receiver corps, which is starting to look like a ghost town. Still, Coach Reid isn’t sounding the panic alarm just yet. “I’ll visit with [general manager Brett] Veach, but right now, I think we’re OK with who we’ve got up at wide receiver.”

That’s a pretty confident statement, isn’t it? There are not enough times where you would hear the coach be ‘OK’ about barely having five receivers moving about. That too, in a 53-man roster. Uff! You’ve got Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, and a healthy Mecole Hardman. But would that be enough?

Reid faced a pressing question about whether the Chiefs would elevate any of their practice squad wideouts for the upcoming game. With a receiver group looking thinner than a two-dollar bill, it’s a question that certainly deserves attention. Especially with injuries piling up like laundry after a game day.

Sure, the Saints’ D-line is also experiencing its fair share of struggles, calling for players like Demario Davis to step back in and bolster their defense. But let’s be real: leaning solely on an opponent’s shortcomings isn’t exactly the hallmark of a champion. The Chiefs need to find their own spark, rally the troops, and show that they can rise to the occasion, no matter the odds.

But Reid didn’t bite, sticking to his guns about being content with the current roster. Now, it’s not just about the receiver corps but the Chiefs lying low on ball carriers as well. That’s where the update of Kareem Hunt hits like a saving grace.

Will Kareem Hunt’s return keep the Chiefs going?

With Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the mend and officially listed as doubtful for Monday’s game, the timing of Kareem Hunt’s return couldn’t be more perfect. How bad is it, though? See, the thing is, although Reid said Clyde’s had a good week of practice, our bet is they won’t rush him to get him the game time. And what’s the need with Hunt’s ready-to-rock claim, right?

On top of that, Hunt’s been working hard to shake off the rust after racking up 85 scrimmage yards in Week 4 against the Chargers. He said, “I feel like it was just like a fun day for me, getting back out there on the field—knocking off some of the rust and getting back to it.” It’s always good to know the player’s in it to win it. Any injury can take the confidence as well as the energy away, but not with Hunt.

You see, it goes way back between Kareem and Kansas City. Joining the Chiefs again, the team that drafted him in 2017, was a dream come true. Maybe that’s why he’s oozing this level of excitement. And that’s what the Chiefs Kingdom needs at the moment. With Isiah Pacheco on IR due to a fractured fibula, Hunt’s experience and versatility are needed now more than ever.

The Chiefs clearly liked what they saw during his workouts, but they also made sure he was conditioned before letting him hit the field. “They did a good job of working me,” he said, showing that he’s ready for the challenge.

You can bet Kareem Hunt’s itching to put a touchdown on the board. But here’s a thought: can he step up and keep the Chiefs’ perfect record intact? With the way he’s been preparing, it’s hard to doubt him. But then again, you never know.