34 Darwin Thompson RB

Thompson rushed four times for seven yards and caught four of his five targets for 36 yards Sunday versus the Patriots.

With Damien Williams (ribs) sidelined and Darrel Williams (hamstring) on injured reserve, Thompson has seen a drastic increase in his run, playing north of 20 snaps for the second straight week. The addition of Spencer Ware shallowed Thompson's fantasy upside, and the eventual return of Damien Williams (ribs) could detract further from his value.

Coach Andy Reid suggested Monday that Thompson could be in line for additional playing time Week 14 against the Patriots with the statuses of Damien Williams (ribs) and Darrel Williams (hamstring) to be determined, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

With Damien inactive for the Chiefs' Week 13 win over the Raiders and Darrel exiting the contest early, Thompson picked up his most extensive playing time to date. The rookie played 24 of the Chiefs' 67 offensive snaps (36 percent), finishing with 44 yards and his first career touchdown on 11 carries. Should the two Williamses remain sidelined Week 14, the Chiefs could opt for a true timeshare with Thompson and LeSean McCoy, who also played 24 snaps versus Oakland and saw more passing-down work between the two backs.

Thompson carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 40-9 rout of the Raiders.

The rookie saw his first extended action of the season and wound up leading the Chiefs in carries and rushing yards, as Damien Williams (ribs) was inactive and Darrel Williams (hamstring) exited the game early. Thompson's longest gain went for only nine yards, however, and even if both Williamses are sidelined next week, his lack of explosiveness could keep him in a timeshare with LeSean McCoy in a tough matchup with the Patriots' league-leading defense.

Thompson (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Monday's showdown against the Chargers, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

This news is a bit surprising, considering Thompson was active last week and saw two touches in the game. The disappointing season continues for the 22-year-old, as he's firmly been established at the bottom of the Chiefs' running back depth chart. In Thompson's stead, the team will roll with Damien Williams, Darrel Williams and LeSean McCoy.

Thompson rushed just once for minus-1 yard and caught his only target for eight yards Sunday versus the Titans.

Thompson has come nowhere close to living up to his preseason hype, owning just five carries for eight yards through the first 10 games. Barring a rash of injuries in the backfield, Thompson is unlikely to see the field offensively for much more than a few snaps.

Thompson may work into the running back rotation with LeSean McCoy inactive in Week 10 against the Titans, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

With McCoy a surprise healthy scratch, Damien Williams is likely set to emerge as the lead back for the team. However, Thompson could also be a beneficiary with an increased role in the offensive gameplan. The rookie has failed to appear for more than five offensive snaps in any game this season and has gained only 11 total yards in six contests.

Thompson caught his only target for a loss of a yard during Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Packers.

With LeSean McCoy and Damien and Darrel Williams all active, it was a bit of a surprise that Thompson even suited up Sunday, and he didn't see much action on offense. The rookie has just 11 total yards in limited action this season. Even if he plays Sunday, he's a poor option against Minnesota's seventh-ranked rush defense.

Thompson (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Broncos, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thompson doesn't factor into Kansas City's plans on offense with Damien Williams, LeSean McCoy and Darrell Williams all healthy. The rookie sixth-round pick only played snaps on special teams Week 6.

Thompson did not play an offensive snap in Week 6 versus the Texans, logging just 11 special teams snaps.

Thompson didn't record any return yardage either, leaving his value at an all-time low in the last few weeks. The rookie back is likely nothing more than a dynasty stash at this point, though it could change if injuries hit the position.

Thompson is inactive for Sunday night's game against the Colts, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thompson is the odd man out in the Chiefs' Week 5 backfield now that Damien Williams is back in the team's lineup Sunday.

Thompson logged just four offensive snaps in Sunday's game against the Lions.

Thompson looks to be the third wheel in the Chiefs' backfield even with Damien Williams (knee) on the sidelines. That doesn't bode well for his chances of having any significant role when Williams returns to the fold. Barring a rash of injuries at the position, Thompson can likely be cut loose in the majority of formats at this point.

Thompson gained eight yards on four carries during Sunday's 33-28 win over Baltimore.

Thompson quadrupled his previous share of touches Sunday with Damien Williams (knee) out and Shady McCoy (ankle) exiting early. The rookie sixth-rounder's value is obviously dependent on whether one or both of the veterans return in time for Sunday's matchup in Detroit. If not, he figures to back up Darrel Williams, who picked up 109 total yards Sunday.

Thompson should experience an uptick in work with Damien Williams (knee) ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Ravens, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

In addition to Williams, who is dealing with a knee contusion, expected starting running back LeSean McCoy is listed as questionable for this contest due to an ankle issue. Assuming McCoy is active Sunday, the Chiefs may spread out the snaps among the available backs in order to ease the workload on the veteran. If McCoy joins Williams on the inactive list, Thompson and Darrel Williams will be the only RB options available to an explosive offense. In his sole season at Utah State last year, Thompson racked up 1,395 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns on 176 touches.

Coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that he feels "comfortable" with Thompson receiving more work if he learns his assignments as a pass blocker, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Reid also highlighted Thompson's youth and lack of experience, but he added that the rookie is "getting there." Thompson could be on tap for a significant workload Sunday versus the Ravens, with Damien Williams (knee) and LeSean McCoy (ankle) both managing injuries. The combination of Williams and McCoy have accounted for 92 percent of Kansas City's plays at the running back position, per Teicher, and if they were forced to miss any time, Thompson and Darrel Williams could see a sharp uptick in usage.

Thompson played four snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-10 win over Oakland, taking one carry for one yard.

Thompson has just two touches and six snaps through two games, but he could be looking at a bigger role Week 3 against Baltimore, as backfield mates Damien Williams (knee) and LeSean McCoy (ankle) both came out of the Oakland game with injuries. While neither issue appears too serious initially, the Wednesday injury report should provide a better idea.

Thompson logged just two offensive snaps and caught one pass for three yards in Sunday's opener against the Jaguars.

Thompson was expected to work in concert with Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy as part of a committee, but he was vastly out-snapped in the first game of the season. At this point, the rookie is likely little more than a handcuff or dynasty piece, but that could change as the season progresses, especially if either Williams or McCoy misses time.

Thompson is expected to have a role in a committee approach that includes Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy, Adam Teicher of ESPN reports.

Thompson played reasonably well in his limited preseason showing and will presumably see a decent number of looks as a rookie. However, the signing of McCoy has dulled his fantasy outlook more than the trade of Carlos Hyde brightened it Sunday. Both McCoy and Williams have successful track records in the NFL and should receive a fair share of the carries, devaluing each of the trio's individual outlooks.

Thompson faces new competition for touches in the Kansas City backfield with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that the Chiefs are set to sign LeSean McCoy.

Thompson appeared to bypass Carlos Hyde for the backup running back job to starter Damien Williams late in the preseason. Hyde was traded to Houston on Saturday, but the Chiefs then reportedly signed McCoy to a contract that includes a guaranteed $3 million. Thompson may begin the season as the No. 3 RB as a result, but he still has the potential for a larger role if Williams or McCoy falters.

Thompson has been getting practice reps with the first-team offense, while Carlos Hyde may be on the roster bubble, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Thompson's increased practice usage with the starters reportedly includes regular goal-line work. He's comfortably outplayed Hyde through two weeks of the preseason, with the veteran losing a fumble and averaging just 3.6 yards on seven carries. Thompson is averaging 5.8 yards on nine totes, along with one catch for a 29-yard touchdown on three targets. The Chiefs did give Hyde a $1.5 million guarantee on his one-year contract, but they still can avoid $700,000 of his base salary and $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses if they release him before Week 1, per overthecap.com. Even if that doesn't happen, Thompson seems to be pushing for the No. 2 job behind starter Damien Williams.

Thompson's work as a pass blocker has caught the attention of coach Andy Reid, ESPN.com's Adam Teicher reports. "[Thompson]'s able to see the blitz, which is a big thing for the young guys,'' Reid said. "He's got good vision in the run game and then he's got a pretty good understanding of the pass game."

The rookie sixth-round pick also has looked good with the ball in his hands, taking nine carries for 52 yards and scoring a 29-yard touchdown on his lone reception through the first two weeks of the preseason. Meanwhile, Carlos Hyde has a 7-25-1 rushing line with one lost fumble and no catches. Damien Williams is locked in atop the depth chart, but Thompson has at least made a strong case to share backup work with Hyde. The competent work as a pass blocker could go a long way toward earning regular-season snaps.