Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs, mired in a 6-7 season and chasing an AFC wild-card spot, got a timely lift this week: running back Darwin Thompson is back at practice after a three-week hamstring injury layoff. Signed to the practice squad in October (following a Tampa Bay stint), Thompson had started contributing on special teams and as a reserve running back before getting hurt. For a Chiefs team with a 26th-ranked running game (3.8 yards per carry), his return adds much-needed depth. Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs breaks down his comeback, his fit in the team’s plans, and what it means for their playoff push.

Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with his recovery journey. Thompson hurt his hamstring in a Week 10 practice, pulling up during a drill. Though it was a mild strain, the Chiefs held him out to avoid worsening it. Over three weeks, he worked with medical staff on light cardio, stretches, and strength exercises. Last week, he did individual drills; by Wednesday, he joined full team practice. “It’s great to be back—no pain, just moving like before,” Thompson said. Head coach Andy Reid praised his patience: “Darwin didn’t rush rehab. He put in the work, and now he’s ready.”

A key part of Thompson’s return is his role on offense and special teams. He won’t start, but he fills a critical gap at running back. Top backs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon have had minor injuries, and rookie Deneric Prince has just 12 carries. Thompson, a 2019 Chiefs draft pick, knows the offense—he had 172 rushing yards and a TD in 2019-2020. His 4.42 40-yard speed and pass-catching ability make him versatile. On special teams, he’s a former kickoff returner and punt coverage contributor. “Darwin knows our system—no long learning curve,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “He can run, catch, and help on special teams—all we need right now.”

Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs also includes the Kansas City Chiefs’ immediate plans for him. Thompson’s practice return doesn’t guarantee an active roster spot for Sunday’s Ravens game, but it gives the Chiefs flexibility. Reid said the staff will watch his contact drills and team work this week: “We won’t rush him—we don’t want a re-injury.” If elevated, he’ll get 5-10 offensive snaps and could return kickoffs to rest Pacheco and McKinnon. For the Kansas City Chiefs, even small contributions help: their running game struggles, and an extra playmaker keeps defenses honest. “Darwin’s speed and smarts add a weapon,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said.

Another angle is Thompson’s familiarity with the Kansas City Chiefs. Unlike new practice squad players, he doesn’t need to learn the playbook—he spent two seasons in Reid’s offense. He knows the terminology, run schemes, and routes, so he can contribute fast. “Darwin speaks our language,” running backs coach Deland McCullough said. “We skip basics and focus on fine-tuning.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this is vital with five games left: no time for development. His quick integration could swing their playoff chances.

Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights Thompson’s mental state. Hamstring injuries can shake confidence, but Thompson said staff support erased fears: “I trust their process—I don’t hold back now.” He showed that in practice, making a 20-yard screen pass gain in contact drills. For the Kansas City Chiefs, his toughness matters. “Mental strength wins this time of year,” Reid said. “Darwin’s been through adversity and come back—he’s exactly who we need.”

Darwin Thompson Returns to Practice for the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with small wins adding up. The Chiefs have faced injuries (like Byron Pringle) and inconsistency, but Thompson’s return joins Juan Thornhill’s secondary improvement as a positive. “Every healthy player builds momentum,” Mahomes said. “We’re not out of this.” Thompson, grateful to be back where his NFL career started, said: “I want to help win—running, catching, special teams, whatever.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, his return is a reminder: even role players can spark a turnaround.