As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to finalize their 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL regular season, running back Carson Steele faces a challenging battle to secure his place. The reigning <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC champions are navigating fierce competition in their backfield, putting Steele’s future with the team in doubt despite his previous contributions. With multiple talented backs vying for limited spots, Steele’s position remains uncertain.
Challenges in Securing a Role Amidst Deep Backfield Talent
Carson Steele’s precarious standing stems from both his performance and the depth surrounding him on the roster. Although he won some admiration during his rookie year, his on-field production raised concerns. One recent analysis highlighted that, while initially a fan favorite, Steele struggled when starting, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and committing three fumbles. This has fueled speculation that the Chiefs might waive him ahead of the regular season, potentially exposing him to other teams claiming him off waivers.
Carson Steele was a fan favorite as a rookie a year ago,
the analysis noted,
but when given the opportunity to start, he struggled, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and fumbling three times.
—Unnamed Analysis
Depth Chart Realities Limit Steele’s Chances for Active Roster Inclusion
Steele currently ranks as the fifth running back behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and rookie Brashard Smith. With the Chiefs unlikely to carry more than four running backs into the regular season, Steele’s spot is tenuous at best. Pacheco and Hunt, the more established players, are virtually locks to remain, with Pacheco seeking to bounce back after injuries and Hunt serving as a short-yardage specialist at 30 years old. Mitchell and Smith also offer promising contributions, pushing Steele further down the pecking order.
The undrafted Steele’s struggle to make a lasting impact reflects the difficult path many free agents face. Despite showing potential during offseason workouts, his previous season’s lackluster statistics and limited role place him at risk of being relegated to the practice squad or released entirely.
Preseason Performance and Role on Special Teams Add Additional Pressure
Steele’s recent preseason outing did little to strengthen his case, as he carried the ball only three times for 15 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. His most significant playing time came on special teams, where he participated in 32% of available snaps. While contributing on special teams can secure a roster spot for some players, this level of involvement appears insufficient for Steele to guarantee a place on the Chiefs’ final active roster.
Backfield Competition and Strategic Considerations for Kansas City
The Chiefs’ backfield already features a mix of proven and promising talent. Isiah Pacheco aims to rebound after an injury-filled year, Kareem Hunt remains vital for short-yardage situations, Elijah Mitchell attempts a comeback following injuries, and Brashard Smith has shown glimpses of promise during training camp. This strong group leaves Steele competing for limited space.
Additionally, Steele offers the unique skill set of a fullback, a position the Chiefs have molded differently in recent seasons. Traditionally, the team has leaned on tight ends like Noah Gray and Robert Tonyan to fulfill hybrid roles resembling fullback duties. While Gray remains valuable as a receiver and blocker, Tonyan’s versatility has made him a potential replacement for some of Steele’s responsibilities if the Chiefs decide to move on from him.
Possible Roster Moves Could Shift Kansas City’s Offensive Approach
Letting Steele go would require adjustments in the Chiefs’ offensive schemes, particularly in how they utilize their tight ends and backfield personnel. Employing tight ends to cover fullback duties may alter blocking patterns and offensive balance, pushing the coaching staff to adapt cleverly in preparation for the regular season.
The coming weeks will be decisive as the Chiefs assess these options and finalize their roster. For Carson Steele, the period ahead represents a critical juncture that could determine whether he remains part of the Chiefs’ plans or faces an uncertain future elsewhere.