The Kansas City Chiefs’ rushing attack has left a lot to be desired to begin the 2025 season.
Starting running back Isiah Pacheco has accumulated just 127 rushing yards through the first four games, and backup Kareem Hunt is a short-yardage situational RB at this stage of his career. Rookie Brashard Smith possesses an exciting skillset, but the Chiefs are taking things slowly with him.
Kansas City is gearing up to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football, and the Jags have made an eyebrow-raising roster move just hours before the game by releasing RB Cody Schrader.
#Jaguars sign Quintin Morris to 53, released Cody Schrader
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 6, 2025
Chiefs should consider claiming RB Cody Schrader off waivers if possible
After spending less than one month with the team, the Jags have waived Schrader. They signed him off the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad after trading RB Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jacksonville has a lot of depth at RB, led by starer Travis Etienne, who ranked third in the NFL in rushing coming into Week 5.
Many Chiefs fans are also Missouri Tigers fans and know Schrader well. He only spent two years at Mizzou, but made an immediate and lasting impact. Schrader took the starting RB job right off the bat in 2022, finishing the season with 882 total yards and nine touchdowns. He then exploded in 2023, racking up 1,627 rushing yards, 191 receiving yards, and 14 TDs.
Schrader became the first player in SEC history to record 200 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a single game in Week 9 of that season against Tennessee. In 2024 he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He came up short of making the team, but was quickly signed to L.A.’s practice squad, and made his regular season debut in Week 18.
Schrader had a strong showing during the 2025 preseason with the Rams, recording 120 rushing yards on just nine carries, along with three catches for 33 yards and a TD. He is a strong and stocky downhill runner who plays with a high motor. Schrader also has underrated receiving skills, and is solid in pass protection.
Schrader would be a solid developmental player for the Chiefs. Veteran RB Elijah Mitchell doesn’t appear to figure much into their plans as he has been inactive in every game this season. The only RB they have on the practice squad is Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is pretty much there in case of emergency. Schrader could give K.C. a much-needed injection of youthful energy, and somebody who could factor into its plans in 2026.
