{
  "id": 42569,
  "title": "Old faces in different places: Running back edition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/old-faces-in-different-places-running-back-edition",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T12:48:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/old-faces-different-places-running-124837437.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the latest segment of the \"Old faces in different places\" series, our focus shifts to the running back position. While turnover remains consistent across positions, the running back landscape has seen fewer name changes. Here's an analysis of the significant moves.\n\nKenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, has joined the Kansas City Chiefs to bolster the run game, which has been inconsistent since Patrick Mahomes' injury last season. Walker will provide crucial security and ample playing time.\n\nTyler Allgeier, now a free agent after leaving the Atlanta Falcons, will become a featured back for the Arizona Cardinals. He will serve as a backup following the team's draft selection of Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame.\n\nTravis Etienne Jr. has been recruited by the New Orleans Saints to create a more balanced attack. His role will involve opening up the offense for the team's young quarterback, Tyler Shough.\n\nBrian Robinson, now paired with Bijan Robinson in the Atlanta Falcons backfield, is expected to have limited playing time unless Bijan is injured. Robinson will primarily support his more accomplished sibling.\n\nDavid Montgomery, identified as the top pick of this class for the Houston Texans, is set to receive substantial playing time, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations, due to the team's inconsistent backfield performance.\n\nIsiah Pacheco, now with the Detroit Lions, has not fully recovered from his leg injury, but the Lions hope to rehabilitate him to his former playing level.\n\nRico Dowdle has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is expected to emerge as the primary back due to his ability to break tackles.\n\nChris Rodriguez Jr. has been undervalued in the NFL thus far, and the Jacksonville Jaguars believe he will fit well into their offensive scheme.\n\nRachaad White, known for his toughness and positive yardage gains, will be relied upon in early-down situations by the Washington Commanders.\n\nFinally, Kenneth Gainwell, an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield, is an ideal fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and should thrive in their playing environment.",
  "summary": "This article, titled \"Old faces in different places: Running back edition,\" provides a snapshot of running backs who have made moves to different teams this season. The most notable changes include Kenneth Walker III joining the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyler Allgeier moving from the Atlanta Falcons to the Arizona Cardinals, and David Montgomery signing with the Houston Texans. Other notable moves include Isiah Pacheco attempting a comeback with the Detroit Lions, Rico Dowdle joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Rachaad White signing with the Washington Commanders. These moves aim to bolster the run games of these teams as they look to find a more balanced attack.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kenneth Walker III joins Kansas City Chiefs to strengthen run game",
    "Tyler Allgeier becomes featured back for Arizona Cardinals",
    "Travis Etienne Jr. recruited by New Orleans Saints for balanced attack"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/42569.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}