Why Chiefs are not likely to continue Kenneth Walker III's heavy workload

The Kansas City Chiefs have begun the 2026 season with a 2-0 record, and they've done so in large part because of Kenneth Walker III.

He's been awesome through the first two weeks of the season, as he already has 47 rushing attempts for 290 yards and one touchdown with nine receptions on 16 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown through two games.

But going forward, ESPN's Nate Taylor believes the Chiefs will be limiting Walker's workload a bit. He'll still be the featured back, but this heavy workload is not sustainable over the course of a full season.

Chiefs not likely to keep giving Kenneth Walker III such a huge workload

"The early surprise: RB Kenneth Walker III is getting a ton of work. The verdict: Mirage," Taylor writes. "... Walker, though, shouldn't continue to have 26 to 30 touches every game."

Kansas City has had some fun with their new running back through the first two weeks of the season, but going forward, they really should worry about how much he's involved in the offense.

Instead of his current 28 touches per game through Week 2, the Chiefs should try to lower it to around 20-23 touches per game. It's a long season, and giving him more of a rest here and there is a smart move for the Chiefs this season.

MORE: Patriots quietly make NFL history in blowout win over Steelers

Just because the Chiefs might be planning to diminish his workload doesn't mean Walker shouldn't be receiving a lot of volume this season.

But moving forward, especially in Week 3 against a lowly Miami Dolphins team, standout rookie Emmett Johnson should see more work. He has 39 yards on 10 attempts and four receptions for 64 yards through two weeks.

Giving Johnson a bit more work and easing up on Walker will be better for the Chiefs' long-term goals this year. They should still give Walker enough work to be a bell-cow, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to limit his usage, even if only a little bit.

More NFL news:

• Drake London apparently tells fan he will 'f— him up' as Falcons WR's frustrations boil over
• Dak Prescott reacts to breaking Tony Romo’s Cowboys touchdown record
• Todd Monken hits back at Mike Tomlin after first win as Browns coach: 'F— that'
• Eagles’ latest comeback reveals Jalen Hurts’ most valuable superpower
• Colts record with Sauce Gardner: How Indianapolis has spiraled since blockbuster trade