Kansas City Chiefs sign another outside addition to the practice squad, reinforcing the team’s running back depth even further
The Kansas City Chiefs have added another former Michigan State running back to the team. Nate Carter joins the practice squad to provide depth at the running back position.
The Kansas City Chiefs can’t get enough of former Michigan State running backs.
On Tuesday, Sep. 1, the Chiefs revealed at the team’s kickoff luncheon that they had made a new practice squad signing. According to Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick, the team introduced RB Nate Carter as one of their new additions to the 16-man practice squad. He joins RB Jaydn Ott, rounding out the running back position on the practice squad.
An undrafted free agent out of Michigan State following the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter made the 53-man roster with the Falcons as a rookie. He appeared in 7 games with Atlanta that year, recording nine attempts for 60 yards rushing. The 5-foot-9 and 200-pound running back set career highs with MSU in 2023 as a 12-game starter. He rushed for a team-leading 798 yards and four touchdowns. He split carries in 2024, resulting in 499 yards rushing and five touchdowns.
New RB Nate Carter reinforces Chiefs’ running back depth with NFL experience
The Chiefs took a risk when they waived RB Emari Demercado, leaving Kenneth Walker as their most experienced NFL running back. Of course, the Dallas Cowboys claimed Demercado, leaving Kansas City especially green at the running back position. Brashard Smith has 17 games of experience from his rookie season, but that’s the extent of it. Carter now gives the team another backup with real NFL reps.
In many ways, Carter followed in Walker’s footsteps at Michigan State. Then-head coach Mel Tucker recognized it back when Carter first transferred to play for the Spartans in 2023.
“Nathan Carter has played Power 5 football and has been very productive,” Tucker said. “He established himself as a dude immediately in the weight room, similar to what Ken Walker did. It’s super competitive in there. Guys are gonna have to compete to get on the field – they’re gonna have to compete for spots on special teams.”
We’ll see if he can keep that trend alive in the NFL.
Chiefs Running Back Roster (53-Man Roster + Practice Squad)
The Chiefs now have six players on the 53-man roster and practice squad who can play running back.
- 53: Kenneth Walker III
- 53: Emmett Johnson
- 53: Brashard Smith
- PS: Jaydn Ott
- PS: Nate Carter
- PS: Ben VanSumeran (FB)
