With Isiah Pacheco sidelined due to a fibula injury, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to undrafted rookie Carson Steele to carry the load in their Week 3 matchup. While the Chiefs ultimately fell short against the Chicago Bears, Steele’s performance offered a glimpse of his potential as a key contributor in the Chiefs’ backfield.
This article delves into Steele’s Week 3 performance, analyzes his prospects as Pacheco’s replacement, and examines the potential impact of other running backs on the Chiefs’ roster.
Steele’s Promising Debut as the Chiefs’ Primary Back
In his first game since Pacheco’s injury, Steele saw significant playing time, handling 19 combined carries and targets. This heavy usage clearly demonstrated the Chiefs’ confidence in his abilities, especially when compared to Samaje Perine’s 10 touches. While Steele’s stat line might not jump off the page, his role in the Chiefs’ game plan highlighted his emergence as the lead back.
One of the most telling signs of Steele’s potential was his usage in high-leverage situations. During the third quarter, with the Chiefs trailing 14-16, Steele received two carries inside the five-yard line. Although he was unable to punch it in for a touchdown, his involvement in such crucial moments speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s trust in the young running back.
Challenges and Opportunities for Steele
Despite his promising start, Steele faces stiff competition for carries. The Chiefs have a history of utilizing a committee approach in their backfield, and the potential return of other running backs adds another layer of complexity to Steele’s outlook.
The Chiefs have a couple of options waiting in the wings who could potentially cut into Steele’s workload. Kareem Hunt, a familiar face to Chiefs fans, is eligible to be elevated from the practice squad as early as Week 4. His familiarity with the Chiefs’ system and his proven track record could make him a tempting option for head coach Andy Reid.
Furthermore, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is eligible to return from the reserve/non-football illness list the following week. Edwards-Helaire’s versatility as both a runner and receiver adds another dimension to the Chiefs’ backfield.
Looking Ahead: Steele’s Potential Impact
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Chiefs’ backfield, Steele’s performance in Week 3 has undoubtedly put him on the map. His combination of size, power, and pass-catching ability make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Steele as he looks to solidify his role as the Chiefs’ lead back. While the return of Hunt and Edwards-Helaire could lead to a more crowded backfield, Steele has a golden opportunity to prove himself as a reliable and explosive option for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. His performance over the next few games will be a key storyline to watch as the Chiefs look to maintain their position as one of the league’s most potent offensive units.
