The Kansas City Chiefs are once again captivating their fanbase with the unfolding drama of the 2024 preseason.

This year, the spotlight is firmly on the running back position, where a fierce battle is underway for the coveted backup spot.

Amid the competition, Carson Steele, an undrafted free agent known primarily for his role as a fullback, has emerged as a surprising contender.

Steele’s remarkable performances in training camp and preseason games have not only caught the attention of fans but have also started to shift the dynamics of the Chiefs’ backfield.

While some fans may still be trying to grasp the full implications of these developments, there is no denying that Steele’s recent touchdown in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears has significantly boosted his chances of securing a spot on the Chiefs’ Week 1 roster.

Carson Steele’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his resilience, determination, and physical style of play.

As an undrafted free agent, Steele came into training camp with little fanfare and a lot to prove.

The Chiefs, a team known for their explosive offense led by Patrick Mahomes, were not necessarily in dire need of a running back.

With Isaiah Pacheco firmly established as the starter and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick, expected to serve as the primary backup, Steele faced an uphill battle to make the roster.

However, his tough, straightforward running style and his ability to perform under pressure quickly set him apart from the other candidates.

From the start of training camp, Steele demonstrated an impressive physicality that caught the eye of the Chiefs’ coaching staff.

His hard-nosed approach to running, characterized by his ability to gain yards after contact and bulldoze through defenders, quickly became a hallmark of his game.

This style of play is particularly appealing to a team like the Chiefs, who value players that can contribute in multiple ways and bring a physical presence to their offense.

Despite his role as a fullback, Steele began taking reps with the first-team offense, signaling that the coaching staff was seriously considering him for a more prominent role.

The real turning point for Steele came during the Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Chicago Bears.

In a game where the Chiefs ultimately fell 34-21, Steele provided one of the few bright spots with a spectacular 32-yard touchdown run.

On this play, Steele showcased everything that has made him a standout during training camp: power, determination, and an ability to break tackles.

As he bulldozed his way through multiple defenders, it became clear that Steele was not just playing for a roster spot—he was making a statement that he belonged in the NFL.

This touchdown run, while the highlight of his night, was not his only notable contribution.

Steele finished the game with four carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, further solidifying his case as a legitimate contender for the backup running back position.

As with all preseason performances, it is important to maintain perspective.

The NFL preseason is a time for experimentation and evaluation, and while Steele’s touchdown run was impressive, it does not automatically make him the next Barry Sanders.

However, what it does suggest is that Steele has a strong chance to start the season as the backup running back for the Chiefs.

His performance has certainly put him in the conversation, and with the regular season fast approaching, the Chiefs’ coaching staff will need to make some difficult decisions regarding the composition of their backfield.

Isaiah Pacheco, who has firmly established himself as the Chiefs’ starting running back, is expected to carry the bulk of the workload once the regular season begins.

Pacheco, known for his explosive speed and ability to break big plays, is a dynamic runner who fits perfectly into the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

However, the role of the backup running back is still very much up for grabs, and this is where Steele’s impressive preseason performance comes into play.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was once seen as the frontrunner for the backup job, now finds himself facing stiff competition from Steele.

Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick out of LSU, has had a somewhat up-and-down career with the Chiefs. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from fully living up to the expectations that came with his draft status.

Entering the offseason, Edwards-Helaire was expected to serve as the primary backup to Pacheco, bringing his experience and versatility to the role. However, Steele’s emergence has complicated this picture.

Steele’s style of play is somewhat similar to Pacheco’s, which could make him a valuable asset as a backup.

Both players are known for their physical running styles, with the ability to break tackles and gain tough yards between the tackles.

This physicality is something that the Chiefs value, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Steele’s ability to gain yards after contact, as demonstrated in his touchdown run against the Bears, could make him an ideal complement to Pacheco in these scenarios.

On the other hand, Clyde Edwards-Helaire offers a different skill set that could still make him a valuable part of the Chiefs’ offense.

Known for his soft hands and elusiveness, Edwards-Helaire is a more versatile back who can contribute in the passing game.

His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field adds a different dimension to the Chiefs’ offense.

In clear passing situations, Edwards-Helaire’s skills could be particularly valuable, providing Mahomes with a reliable option in the short passing game.

Given these dynamics, it is likely that the Chiefs will utilize a committee approach at the running back position, at least to start the season.

Pacheco will serve as the primary back, handling the majority of the carries and providing the explosive plays that have become his trademark.

Edwards-Helaire could be used in passing situations, where his receiving skills and elusiveness can be maximized.

Meanwhile, Steele could step in whenever Pacheco needs a rest, providing a physical presence and a reliable option in short-yardage situations.

This approach would allow the Chiefs to take advantage of the unique skill sets of each player while also keeping their running backs fresh and healthy over the course of the season.

In a league where running back depth is crucial, having multiple players who can contribute in different ways is a significant advantage.

For Steele, being part of this rotation would be a remarkable achievement, given his status as an undrafted free agent. It would also be a testament to the hard work and determination he has shown throughout training camp and the preseason.

As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on the Chiefs’ backfield to see how these dynamics play out.

The competition for the backup running back spot is one of the most intriguing storylines of the preseason, and Steele’s emergence has added an unexpected twist to the narrative.

While nothing is set in stone, Steele’s performances have certainly put him in a strong position to make the roster and contribute to the Chiefs’ success this season.

For Chiefs fans, the prospect of adding another hard-nosed runner to the backfield is exciting.

Steele’s physicality and toughness make him a fan favorite, and his journey from undrafted free agent to potential NFL contributor is a story that resonates with many.

In a league where underdog stories are celebrated, Steele’s rise is one that fans will be eager to follow as the season unfolds.

Moreover, Steele’s emergence adds depth and versatility to the Chiefs’ offense, which is already one of the most potent in the NFL.

With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have the ability to score points in a variety of ways, and adding a player like Steele, who can contribute in multiple roles, only makes them more dangerous.

Whether it’s in short-yardage situations, goal-line carries, or simply giving Pacheco a breather, Steele’s presence on the roster gives the Chiefs another weapon in their already loaded arsenal.

The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by the experienced Andy Reid, has a track record of developing players and getting the most out of their talent.

Reid’s ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players is one of the reasons why the Chiefs have been so successful in recent years.

If Steele continues to work hard and improve, there’s every reason to believe that Reid and his staff will find ways to incorporate him into the game plan.

In conclusion, Carson Steele’s performances in the 2024 preseason have made him one of the most intriguing players on the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster.

His physical running style, determination, and versatility have set him apart from the competition and put him in a strong position to secure a spot on the Week 1 roster.

While the battle for the backup running back spot is far from over, Steele’s emergence has certainly added a new dimension to the Chiefs’ backfield and given the coaching staff plenty to think about as they make their final roster decisions.

For Chiefs fans, the excitement surrounding Steele’s rise is palpable.

His journey from undrafted free agent to potential NFL contributor is a story that embodies the spirit of hard work and perseverance, qualities that are highly valued in Kansas City.

As the regular season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Steele’s story continues to unfold.

Whether he becomes a key part of the Chiefs’ offense or serves as a valuable depth player, one thing is certain: Carson Steele has made his mark, and his future in the NFL looks bright.