Kansas City Chiefs UDFA cemented his 53-man roster spot with superb preseason performance
It's safe to say that running back Carson Steele was the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 preseason MVP. Steele signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent this past offseason. He had a very productive collegiate career, racking up 3,232 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns during his time at Ball State and UCLA. With fellow running […]
It's safe to say that running back Carson Steele was the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 preseason MVP.
Steele signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent this past offseason. He had a very productive collegiate career, racking up 3,232 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns during his time at Ball State and UCLA.
With fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire missing most of training camp and all of preseason, Steele has made the most of his opportunity to step up. Steele raised eyebrows during camp by making plays at both halfback and fullback. Then he showed that he can translate his success on the practice field to game action.
In Week 1 of the preseason Steele averaged a whopping 7.2 yards per carry and recorded a rushing touchdown, garnering praise for his physical running style and ability to break tackles. Then in Week 2, Steele made an impact on special teams by returning a kickoff for 36 yards and recovering a fumble on kickoff coverage.
All of that probably would have been enough for Steel to secure a roster spot, but he wasn't finished. In the Chiefs' preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, Steele rushed for 50 yards on four carries and a touchdown. 32 of those yards came on one run where he broke multiple tackles.
Steele has by far proved to be the best option at running back behind starter Isiah Pacheco. Not only is he a shoo-in for K.C.'s 53-man roster, but he could be a real difference-maker on offense this season. The Chiefs have sorely needed a physical back who can get the tough yards on short yardage situations, and Steele fits that bill.
Steele's versatility to play fullback will be an underrated asset as well. Coach Andy Reid has always valued the fullback position and is one of the few coaches left in the NFL that consistently utilizes one. Formations featuring both Steele and Pacheco will present a very tough challenge for defenses from a physicality standpoint.
Preseason standout aims to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster by being ‘Swiss Army Knife’
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid and RB/FB Carson Steele spoke about the rookies’ standout preseason performance on Monday.
