Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is enthusiastic about the recent addition of veteran running back Samaje Perine to the team’s offensive roster.
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Andy Reid is a fan of Samaje Perine
Perine, who has spent the last few seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos, was signed by the Chiefs following his release from Denver, and Reid believes the 28-year-old will be a valuable asset to quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ offense.
Reid, reflecting on Perine’s past performances, particularly against the Chiefs, expressed his admiration for the running back’s versatility and character.
“We all know what he did to us when he was at Cincinnati with that screen play,”Reid recalled, referencing a crucial 41-yard touchdown by Perine that helped the Bengals secure a comeback win over the Chiefs in the 2021 AFC Championship Game.
“Samaje’s done this over his career, where he’s been a phenomenal third-down back, but he’s also a good runner.”
Beyond his on-field abilities, Reid highlighted Perine’s reputation as a positive presence in the locker room.
“I think that you know that he’s really a good person. That word has traveled around the National Football League on what kind of guy he is, a locker room guy, and so on. We welcome that,”Reid stated.
“The opportunity to have a guy in here that can do the run game and the pass game… I just think he’s a good, well-rounded football player that’s extremely intelligent, that is a great addition that Brett [Veach] added to the team.”
Chief’s backfield gets a needed boost
Perine joins a Chiefs backfield already filled with talent.
Isiah Pacheco, who has led the charge over the past two seasons, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has dealt with injuries but remains a dual-threat when healthy, are the key players in the running back room.
Rookie Carson Steele, known for his power running during the preseason, also made the roster.
Reid confirmed that Perine will be available for the Chiefs’ 2024 NFL Kickoff Game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
The matchup, a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game, promises to be a challenging contest, but the Chiefs head coach expressed confidence in his team’s preparation.
“We look forward to this challenge of playing the Ravens — they’re a heck of a football team,” Reid said.
“John [Harbaugh] does a great job, along with his coaches, of preparing their guys, and we know it will be a battle royal.”
As Perine gears up for his debut with the Chiefs, fans will be on the lookout to grade his ability to contribute both in the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield could provide Mahomes with an additional weapon as the team aims to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
