Carson Steele came out of nowhere and delivered what might be the best game of his life. The Eagles running back wasn’t even supposed to play, only entering the game because of an injury. But once he got his chance, he made every single snap count. Steele was jumping, hurdling, twisting, turning, breaking off runs for touchdowns. He was phenomenal, and he deserves every bit of credit coming his way.

That was a lifetime performance, and we’re going to remember that one as the Carson Steele game.

Can Steele actually make the roster?

Now, the big question everybody keeps asking: can he actually make the 53-man roster? I don’t think so, and here’s why. The Eagles are going to keep three running backs. Saquon Barkley is your starter, obviously. Tank Bigsby is your second guy, your power back. And then you have Will Shipley, who I think can be utilized in some different ways out of the backfield, catching and running, wheel routes, whatever it is. Shipley locked down a roster spot in that last game too. He was really good in the first quarter.

So does Carson Steele have a path to making Philadelphia’s roster as a traditional running back? Probably not.

The fullback wildcard

Here’s the one caveat, though. If the Eagles decide to utilize a fullback in this offense, or even just keep a lead blocker on the roster, I think Steele has made a serious case for that role. His blocking ability, his physicality, his ability to catch out of the backfield, and the way he was running with that confidence all point to a player who could carve out a niche beyond the standard running back competition.

It all depends on what happens in the next preseason game. He could go five carries for 12 yards and we’re all saying, okay, that was just a fun performance and nothing more. But the tape from this game speaks for itself.

I still think it’s a long shot. But Steele’s stock has risen dramatically over the last couple of days, and the fullback angle might be his only real path onto the Eagles’ 53.