Chiefs' running back Jackie Battle
While most eyes have been on running backs Jamaal Charles, newly acquired Thomas Jones, or rookie Dexter McCluster, not one of those players led the Chiefs in rushing this preseason.
Instead it was Jackie Battle, a holdover from the Herm Edwards’ era who only received seven carries over the past two seasons, and has spent time on the injured-reserve list because of a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder.
He ran for 67 yards in Thursday night’s 17-13 victory over Green Bay at Arrowhead Stadium.
That performance capped a preseason in which Battle tallied 180 yards and an impressive average of 5.1 yards per carry.
While the bulk of the regular season carries will go to Charles, Jones, or McCluster, Battle wants to contribute any way he can.
“Thomas and Jamaal are both really good backs,” Battle said via Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “I just want to have some kind of role on this team. I feel like I’m still competing for a job. Nothing’s changed. I’m just trying to find my place.”
Battle, a first team starter on all special teams units during the preseason, only further solidified his spot on the Chiefs’ roster heading into week one of the regular season.
Kansas City opens the regular season at home Monday September, 13 vs. the San Diego Chargers.