3 Chiefs fighting for their job in training camp

Darwin Thompson

A sixth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Thompson has served as a regular part of the Chiefs’ running back rotation in his two seasons in the NFL.

However, he could soon find himself on the outside looking in if he fails to stand out in a crowded running back room.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is locked in as a starter despite struggling to justify his status as the 32nd overall pick last year, while Darrel Williams received a greater share of the workload than Thompson last year. Williams had 39 carries to Thompson’s 27 and averaged 4.3 yards per attempt to Thompson’s 3.6.

The Chiefs thrust another back into the mix this offseason with the addition of Jerick McKinnon as a free agent. Having missed two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers because of serious knee injuries, McKinnon comes with durability concerns and was not the player the Niners hoped he would be back in 2018 when he finally got on the field last year.

McKinnon, though, does bring experience and pass-catching upside. With the former Minnesota Viking and Elijah McGuire competing for a spot on the roster behind Edwards-Helaire and Williams, Thompson’s future in Kansas City is far from secure.