Chiefs plan bigger role for rookie Emmett Johnson, lightening Walker's load

Andy Reid says rookie running back Emmett Johnson will see more snaps as Kansas City looks to keep starter Kenneth Walker fresh.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters Monday that rookie running back Emmett Johnson will receive more playing time going forward. Reid said the added role for Johnson is intended to ease the workload on starter Kenneth Walker.

"The other part is allowing Emmett to grow. And so I think Emmett will continue to get more snaps, and that'll take a little bit of the load off Kenny," Reid said. He added that Walker "wants the ball every play" and is not asking to come off the field, but that a balance between the two backs could keep both fresher as the season continues.

Walker has been one of the NFL's busiest players through two weeks, averaging 28 touches per game. He has produced 290 rushing yards, 79 receiving yards and two total touchdowns, ranking him as the overall RB1 in fantasy scoring according to Fantasy Pros.

Johnson, a rookie, has 10 carries for 39 yards and four receptions for 64 yards across two games. His workload has been uneven so far, with 10 touches in Week 1 and four in Week 2, compared to Walker's 30 touches in Week 2.