Perine’s 41-yard catch-and-run was the touchdown that gave the Bengals the comeback victory over the Chiefs in the 2021 AFC Championship Game. Not only is it Kansas City’s only playoff loss in the last three seasons, but it’s also the blemish that prevents the Chiefs from matching their record of five consecutive Super Bowls.
The Chiefs also dealt with Perine during his time with the Broncos the past two seasons. The seven-year veteran played a limited role in 2023 (32 scrimmage yards in two games), but was successful in a 2022 start with 155 scrimmage yards (106 rushing, 49 receiving) against the Chiefs, which was Perine’s last game with over 100 rushing yards.
Perine joins a Chiefs running back team that is brimming with talent. Isiah Pacheco has been the star running back the past two seasons and provides an energetic attack that seems to wear down defenses as the game progresses. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has battled several injuries in recent years but has been serviceable in the air and on the ground when healthy. Carson Steele made this year’s team as an undrafted rookie after showing great running ability in the preseason.
Reid said Sunday that Perine will be available for Thursday night’s 2024 NFL Kickoff Game against the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of the 2023 AFC title game. The Chiefs head coach said last week that Smith-Schuster was “healthy and ready to play.”
Smith-Schuster’s availability may be necessary because Marquise Brown is already out for Week 1 with a shoulder injury. The Chiefs also waived Kadarius Toney on cutdown day.
It remains to be seen how quickly Perine can make an impact in his Chiefs debut, but KC can take comfort in knowing the veteran is part of a team that is looking to become the NFL’s first Super Bowl champions to win the title three times in a row.
“We’re excited for the challenge of playing the Ravens — they’re a heck of a football team,” Reid said. “John (Harbaugh) and his coaches are doing a great job preparing their guys and we know it’s going to be a tough battle. It’s one of those games we’ve played over the years and it’s always been a tough battle.”
