This Chiefs running back’s duties stand to increase, especially against Bengals

Samaje Perine may be the most popular player at Chiefs practice this week, and not only because the veteran running back is poised to see more action in the second game with his new team.

For 3 1/2 years, Perine was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chiefs’ opponent on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. In 2021 and 2022, his Bengals and Chiefs clashed four times, including twice in the AFC Championship Game.

Perine scored a total of three touchdowns in those title games. While he continues to absorb the Chiefs’ playbook after joining the team less than two weeks ago, he knows the Bengals.

“This whole week has been very unusual,” he said.

Even after spending last season withe Denver Broncos, Perine is familiar enough with the Bengals that his Chiefs teammates, especially on the defensive side, have been tapping into his muscle memory this week.

“It’s definitely helpful,” Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal said. “We’re trying to pick his brain any way we can.”

But Perine wonders how much scouting help he can truly provide.

“They run what they run until you stop it, and if you don’t stop it they’re going to keep running it,” Perine said. “They have confidence in their players. They’re not going to change the entire offense because I know a little bit about it.”

Perine was among those surprised by the Bengals’ opening-game loss at home to the New England Patriots. The offense was lethargic as Cincinnati amassed 224 total yards, with Joe Burrow passing for just 164.

The Bengals have been a slow-starting team under coach Zac Taylor, and this weekend they’re looking to avoid a third straight 0-2 start.

“They’re not the team they showed last week,” Perine said. “I know we’re going to get their best. We have to match and exceed their intensity.”

In his Chiefs debut, Perine played eight snaps, the second most behind starter Isiah Pacheco. Perine caught a pass in the third quarter for 10 yards. Three plays later, he and Patrick Mahomes couldn’t connect on a pass in the flat that likely would have produced a big gain.

The timing was off as the ball glanced off Perine’s outstretched hands. But Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is confident that the play will work next time.

“There’s a lot of trust that if they do that again they’ll make the play,” Nagy said.

That may not be Perine’s only contribution this week, as nobody in the Chiefs’ facility knows the Bengals better.

“It’s just a weird feeling playing more than half of your career there, and now playing against them,” he said.