Samaje Perine's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT5' 10'' , 236 lbs
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Birthdate09/16/1995 (29)
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CollegeOklahoma
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Draft Info2017: Rd 4, Pk 114 (WAS)
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StatusActive
2023 season stats
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Rushing Attempts53 0th
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Rushing Yards238 0th
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Rushing Touchdowns1 0th
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Total DYAR220 0th
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine is expected to fill the void left behind by Jerick McKinnon's departure, head coach Andy Reid said. Specifically, this means that Perine will primarily get involved as a pass-catcher and blocker. Reid also noted that Perine is an intelligent player who runs well. Last year, the veteran running back tallied 238 rushing yards, 455 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Given that he is a trusted pass-catcher in one of the NFL's best offenses, Perine could sneak into the RB3/FLEX tier in PPR leagues this year. However, he can be left on the bench in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that he expects running back Samaje Perine, who was just signed this week after being released by the division-rival Denver Broncos, to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship. Although Perine will eventually have an opportunity to carve out a nice role on third downs for KC, the Chiefs won't overload him in the season opener, and he's currently listed as the RB4 on the depth chart behind starter Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie Carson Steele. Perine's signing with the defending Super Bowl champions immediately gave him more upside in deep PPR leagues, but he's still only worth a bench stash, at best. Perine's addition to KC's backfield should also slightly worry Pacheco's fantasy managers.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back Samaje Perine will both be available in the season opener on Thursday evening against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Pete Sweeney of the Arrowhead Pride. Head coach Andy Reid noted that the team would be cautious about overloading Perine during the opener. Both Smith-Schuster and Perine signed with Kansas City earlier this week after hitting free agency. Smith-Schuster played in Kansas City in 2022 and totaled 933 yards on 78 catches that season but struggled in New England last fall. Perine posted a career-high 50 receptions and 455 receiving yards last season in Denver. Perine should be expected to serve as the third-down back throughout the season, while Smith-Schuster will serve as a depth option in the wide receiver room.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine received praise from his new head coach on Friday afternoon about his potential as a third-down back. According to Adam Teicher of ESPN, Reid expressed, "He's been a phenomenal third down back. The opportunity to have a guy in here that can do the run game and the pass game . . . That is a great addition." The 28-year-old running back signed with Kansas City earlier this week after being released by the Denver Broncos. Last season in Denver, Perine saw a career-high 50 receptions and 455 receiving yards, with an added 238 on the ground. With these recent comments, fantasy managers should expect Perine to serve in a similar role with the Chiefs, primarily entering the game in passing situations. However, Isiah Pacheco will still likely see the vast majority of backfield touches this upcoming season.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Thursday he hopes newly signed running back Samaje Perine will be able to play in the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens next Thursday. It sounds like the Chiefs want to put Perine on a crash course to learning their offense in time for Week 1, despite the tailback just signing with the team on Wednesday. The 28-year-old veteran power back was one of the more coveted RBs discarded to the scrap heap earlier during cutdown week, and he'll have a real opportunity to carve out a meaningful role in KC's backfield after piling up a whopping 6.7 yards per touch across 103 touches with the Denver Broncos a year ago. Lead back Isiah Pacheco remains a trusted workhorse starter, but the incumbent Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be relegated to RB3 duties when Perine acclimates to his new surroundings.