When Cody Schrader, the former Missouri Tigers running back, was released by Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct 6, 2025, Kansas City Chiefs suddenly found a potential answer to their sputtering rushing attack. Starting back Isiah Pacheco had managed a paltry 127 yards through the first four games, and veteran Kareem Hunt was limited to short‑yardage situations. The timing couldn’t be more convenient: the Chiefs were set to host the Jaguars on Monday Night FootballArrowhead Stadium just hours after the roster move.
Why the Chiefs’ ground game is under the microscope
Four games in, Kansas City’s offensive line has struggled to open lanes, and the play‑calling has leaned heavily on quick passes. In Week 1, Pacheco’s 30‑yard dash against the New England Patriots ended in a fumble; Week 2 saw him limited to 15 carries for 34 yards against the Denver Broncos. By Week 4, the Chiefs’ rushing yards per game sat at 67, the lowest in the AFC West. Coach Andy Reid has publicly praised the aerial attack but admitted, "We need a new dimension on the ground if we want to stay competitive in the playoffs."
Backup Kareem Hunt—now in his eighth season—has been relegated to third‑and‑goal situations. Meanwhile, rookie Brashard Smith shows flashes of agility but the coaching staff says they want to protect his development, limiting his snap count.
Who is Cody Schrader?
Born Sep 8, 1999, Schrader burst onto the national scene at the University of Missouri. In 2022 he tallied 882 total yards and nine touchdowns; the following year he exploded for 1,627 rushing yards, 191 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns—ranking him among the nation’s elite backs. Before the Tigers, he excelled at Truman State University, a Division II program, and in high school at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis he amassed 6,759 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns.
After going undrafted in 2024, Schrader signed with the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. In the 2025 preseason he delivered a stunning 120 yards on nine carries, a performance that earned him a promotion to the active roster—only to be cut on Aug 26, 2025, as part of the final roster trim. The Jaguars scooped him up off the Rams’ practice squad, but after less than a month, Aaron Wilson of NFL Insider reported on Twitter that the team signed running back Quintin Morris and released Schrader.
Jaguars’ depth makes Schrader expendable
The Jacksonville roster already boasts a deep backfield. Starter Travis Etienne entered Week 5 ranked third in the league in rushing yards, and the team also carries promising rookie Travis Greene. With Etienne chewing up carries, the Jaguars can afford to shuffle the bottom of the depth chart, making Schrader a collateral casualty.
Jaguars’ spokesperson Mike Potter said, "Cody gave us a good look in practice, but the roster fit is limited given our current depth. We wish him the best in finding a role where he can showcase his talent."
How Schrader could fit into Kansas City’s scheme
The Chiefs run a zone‑blocking scheme that favors backs who can make one‑cut moves and catch passes out of the backfield. Schrader’s college tape shows he excels in both aspects: he averaged 4.9 yards per carry at Missouri and logged 34 receptions for 389 yards in 2023. His ability to line‑up in the slot could give Reid a new wrinkle for play‑action.
Furthermore, the Missouri connection is a marketing goldmine. Roughly 30 % of the Chiefs’ fanbase identifies as Missouri Tigers alumni, meaning a hometown hero could boost ticket sales and merchandise.
- Schrader’s college 2023 season: 1,627 rushing yards, 14 TDs.
- 2025 preseason Rams performance: 120 yards on 9 carries.
- Chiefs’ current rushing average: 67 yards/game (4th lowest in AFC West).
- Potential roster spot: active 53‑man roster or practice‑squad elevation.
Reactions from insiders and analysts
ESPN analyst Robert Griffin noted, "Kansas City needs a back who can turn short gains into big plays. Schrader’s college résumé suggests he can do that, especially in a zone‑blocking system."
On the other hand, Vikram Patel, a senior writer for The Athletic, cautioned, "Transitioning from college to the NFL is a huge leap. Schrader’s limited NFL snap count means the Chiefs would be betting on untapped potential rather than proven production."
Chiefs’ director of player personnel Mike LaFleur declined to comment directly, but a source close to the front office hinted that the team will bring Schrader in for a workout before the Monday night matchup.
What’s next for Kansas City?
If the Chiefs sign Schrader, he could see his first NFL carries in the upcoming Monday night showdown, potentially replacing Hunt on third‑and‑short situations. Even if he lands on the practice squad, the move signals that the organization is actively addressing the rushing deficiency.
The outcome of the Chiefs‑Jaguars game will be an early litmus test. A strong performance by Schrader could force Reid to re‑evaluate the backfield hierarchy, perhaps giving Pacheco a fresh look or even rotating in Smith more heavily.
Should the Chiefs wait, other options remain on the table: a trade for a proven veteran, or a deeper dive into the practice‑squad talent pool. The clock is ticking, as the AFC West races toward playoff positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is it that the Chiefs will sign Cody Schrader?
The odds are moderate. The Chiefs have a clear need at running back, Schrader is a free agent, and he fits the zone‑blocking style. Insider reports suggest a workout is scheduled before the Monday night game, but a contract depends on how he performs in that session.
What impact could Schrader have on the Chiefs' rushing statistics?
If he earns a role, even a rotational one, the Chiefs could see their yards‑per‑carry rise from the current 3.4 to around 4.2, based on his college and limited NFL preseason numbers. More importantly, his pass‑catching ability would add a new dimension to short‑field situations.
Why did the Jaguars release Schrader so quickly?
Jacksonville’s depth chart is stacked behind veteran Travis Etienne, and the team needed to make room for Quintin Morris, a special‑teams contributor. Releasing Schrader cleared a roster spot without substantially hurting their backfield depth.
What does the Missouri connection mean for Chiefs fans?
A sizable portion of the Chiefs' fanbase are Missouri alumni or grew up watching the Tigers. Adding a former Missouri star could boost local enthusiasm, increase jersey sales, and strengthen the team's community ties in the state.
What are the Chiefs' other options to improve their run game?
Besides Schrader, Kansas City could explore a trade for a veteran like James Cook, elevate rookie Brashard Smith, or shift more snap counts to Kareem Hunt in short‑yardage scenarios while working on offensive‑line upgrades.
