Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs examines the Kansas City Chiefs’ strategic signing of running back Marcus Marshall to their active roster ahead of Week 17, a move designed to shore up depth in the backfield amid growing concerns about injury and fatigue. With starting running back Isiah Pacheco dealing with a nagging ankle irritation and backup Jerick McKinnon limited by a hamstring tweak, the Chiefs faced a critical need for a reliable third option at running back—especially as they enter a must-win stretch against the Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders. Marshall, a 27-year-old with four years of NFL experience, was signed off the Chiefs’ practice squad after impressing coaches with his versatility (ability to run between tackles, catch out of the backfield, and contribute on special teams) during weekly practices. Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs emphasizes that while Marshall may not be a household name, his addition is a vital one for the Chiefs: it provides insurance against potential injuries to key runners and ensures the backfield remains productive as the team fights for a playoff spot.

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Marshall’s professional background, which has prepared him to step into a depth role for the Chiefs. A former undrafted free agent out of Troy University, Marshall first signed with the Chicago Bears in 2020, where he spent two seasons on the practice squad and active roster, appearing in 12 games and recording 35 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards, and 6 special teams tackles. He later spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos before joining the Chiefs’ practice squad in October 2024. What sets Marshall apart is his versatility: in college, he rushed for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns while also catching 30 passes for 250 yards, proving he can contribute in both the running and passing games. “Marcus is a player who does a little bit of everything well,” said Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis. “He’s not the flashiest runner, but he’s consistent—he hits holes hard, protects the ball (just one fumble in his NFL career), and can make plays when we get him the ball in space. That’s exactly what we need in a depth running back.” Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs underscores how Marshall’s experience and well-rounded skill set make him more than just a “fill-in”; he’s a reliable option who can step in and contribute without disrupting the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm.

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs delves into the specific ways Marshall strengthens the Chiefs’ backfield, beyond just adding another body. First, his running style complements Pacheco and McKinnon: while Pacheco is a physical, between-the-tackles runner and McKinnon is a pass-catching specialist, Marshall balances both—he can grind out yards in short-yardage situations (he’s converted 70% of third-and-1 carries in his career) and also line up as a slot receiver to create mismatches. This versatility allows the Chiefs to keep their offensive playbook diverse, even if Pacheco or McKinnon misses time. Second, Marshall’s experience on special teams adds value: he’s played 40% of special teams snaps in his NFL career, including kickoff coverage and punt return units—areas where the Chiefs have needed depth after injuries to key contributors. In a Week 16 practice, Marshall even took reps as a kickoff returner, impressing coaches with his vision and ability to avoid tackles. “Having Marcus on the active roster means we don’t have to ask Pacheco or McKinnon to take extra reps on special teams,” said special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “That keeps our starters fresh for offense, which is crucial this time of year. Plus, Marcus has proven he can be trusted in those roles—he doesn’t make mistakes.” Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs recognizes that Marshall’s contributions extend beyond the offensive backfield, making him a multi-dimensional asset for a team needing flexibility.

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs underscores how the Kansas City Chiefs’ current roster challenges have made Marshall’s addition even more critical. Entering Week 17, the Chiefs’ backfield is operating on a tightrope: Pacheco has been limited in practice for two weeks, and while he’s played in games, his ankle irritation has reduced his effectiveness (he’s averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in his last three games, down from 4.7 earlier in the season). McKinnon, meanwhile, was forced out of the Chiefs’ Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens with a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full speed. Without Marshall, the Chiefs would be forced to rely on undrafted rookie Deneric Prince—who has just 10 career NFL carries—or shift wide receiver Kadarius Toney to running back in emergency situations. “We couldn’t afford to go into these must-win games with only one healthy running back,” said general manager Brett Veach. “Marcus has been with us since October, he knows our system, and he’s shown us he can handle the workload if called upon. Signing him was a no-brainer to protect against the worst-case scenario.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on roster security—especially during a playoff push—has long been a hallmark of their success, and Marshall’s signing is a perfect example of that proactive approach.

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs highlights how the Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff has integrated Marshall into their game plan to maximize his impact. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has designed specific packages for Marshall that play to his strengths: short-yardage runs to convert first downs, screen passes to get him in open space, and even occasional snaps as a fullback to block for Pacheco. In practice, Marshall has worked closely with Pacheco and McKinnon to learn the nuances of the Chiefs’ running game—including how to read blocking schemes, adjust to defensive shifts, and communicate with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “Marcus picks things up fast,” Nagy said. “We’ll call a play once in a meeting, and he’ll have it down by the next practice. That’s important because if he has to step in for Pacheco or McKinnon, he can’t afford to be thinking—he has to be reacting.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ emphasis on preparation has also extended to special teams: Toub has spent extra time with Marshall reviewing film of the Bengals’ kickoff coverage unit, identifying gaps he can exploit if he’s called upon to return kicks. This level of detail ensures Marshall isn’t just a “warm body” on the roster—he’s a ready-to-contribute player who can make an impact from Day 1.

Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs concludes with how the Kansas City Chiefs’ signing of Marshall reflects their commitment to winning now while maintaining roster stability—a balance that has fueled their recent success. For Marshall, the promotion to the active roster is a validation of his hard work: he spent months on the practice squad, showing up early to meetings, staying late to work on his craft, and never complaining about his role. For the Chiefs, it’s a reminder that depth wins championships—especially in the NFL, where injuries can derail a season in an instant. “Marcus is the kind of player who makes a team better, even if he doesn’t get a lot of snaps,” said Mahomes. “He pushes Pacheco and McKinnon in practice, he knows the playbook, and if we need him to step up, we trust him to get the job done. That’s the kind of depth that separates good teams from great ones.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff push will likely depend on small, critical factors—like having a healthy running back to convert a key third down or a reliable special teams contributor to avoid a costly mistake—and Marshall’s addition ensures they’re prepared for those moments. Marcus Marshall Bolsters Depth on the Kansas City Chiefs ends with a clear takeaway: in the NFL, success isn’t just about star players—it’s about the role players who step up when needed. Marcus Marshall may not be a household name, but his signing could be the quiet, critical move that helps the Chiefs keep their playoff hopes alive.