How Rashee Rice’s Return Unleashed Brashard Smith

Andy Reid explains what rookie needs to even earn more playing time.

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) carries the ball defended by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Another week, another increased workload for Brashard Smith.

And in Sunday’s 31-0 win over the Raiders, the Chiefs rookie answered that trust with an early career-high 81 scrimmage yards.

The fact that Smith also got a season-high 28 offensive snaps (34.6 percent of Kansas City’s plays on Sunday) is no coincidence, considering it came on the day Rashee Rice returned to the lineup. Both Rice and Smith had 42 receiving yards Sunday. Andy Reid on Monday credited his coaching staff for progressively developing the rookie.

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“He’s catching the ball well, and I like where he’s at now,” Reid said after reviewing film. “He’s in a good frame of mind and he’s picking things up. So, we just keep coming with him.”

Pair of big plays on Sunday

Smith kept coming on a second-quarter reception Sunday, showing his tantalizing potential. Lined up split left, he took a few steps back to allow blockers to get in front of them, then took Patrick Mahomes’ quick pass for 17 yards. He broke three tackles and picked up 14 yards after first contact.

Early in the second half, Smith caught a third-and-long pass and weaved his way through the defense for 13 yards and a first down. Each of those two catches came on touchdown drives.

Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Officially listed as a running back, Smith has always been so much more. He began his college career at Miami as a wide receiver, then transitioned to the RB position after transfering to SMU. But Reid said the Chiefs aren’t in a hurry to make Smith an every-down back, and they like how Smith complements Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

“I’ve always believed that you need three guys,” the head coach added Monday. “We’ve normally used all three when we’ve had them. I’ve done that for a lot of years now. They’re all contributing in their own way.”

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Season-high in carries

Sunday also provided the Chiefs an opportunity to give Smith a season-high 14 carries. He had only eight in the six prior games combined. And while he averaged just 2.8 yards per attempt, those 39 yards will serve as a good catapult, Reid said.

“His ability to catch the ball on screens and those type of things is good, and he’s got the protections down now so he can stand back there and still protect. He’s not quite as strong as the other guys.

“If you had to pick something where he can get better at, he’s going to need an offseason to get him even stronger than what he is, to tote it every play. But he’ll work on that. He’s a pretty diligent kid.”

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) makes a reception defended by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

A 5-10, 196-pound athlete who like Rice finished his college career at SMU, Smith was selected in the seventh round (228th overall). A former wide receiver, Smith routinely goes through pregame warmups with Chiefs wide receivers.

He also gets plenty of touches on kickoff returns, although Sunday marked his first game without one. The Raiders’ only kickoff of the game, to begin the second half, went through the end zone for a touchback. Smith has 322 yards on 12 returns this year (26.8 avg.).

Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) runs during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Top five

Also consider, when weighing how much Rice’s return meant to the Chiefs, that none of the Kansas City’s five most explosive plays on Sunday went to a player named Rice, Hollywood Brown or Xavier Worthy:

44, Mahomes deep right to Travis Kelce, first quarter.
39, Mahomes deep left to Tyquan Thornton, third quarter.
28, Mahomes short left to Noah Gray, first quarter.
19, Mahomes short left to JuJu Smith-Schuster, second quarter.
17, Mahomes short left to Smith, second quarter.

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) tackles Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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