The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an intriguing position as they prepare for Week 3 of the NFL season.

As the Chiefs continue to fight to maintain their undefeated streak, an unexpected injury has created a significant challenge for their offensive unit.

Isaiah Pacheco, the team’s primary rusher and key to their ground game, suffered a broken fibula during the recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This injury has sidelined him for at least two months, forcing the Chiefs to scramble for depth at the running back position.

As the team navigates this unfortunate turn of events, Chiefs fans are anxiously watching to see how the team’s rushing attack will evolve and who will step up to fill the void left by Pacheco.

In response to this setback, the Chiefs have taken action by signing Kareem Hunt to the practice squad.

For many fans, Hunt’s return to Kansas City evokes a mix of excitement and nostalgia, as he previously spent two productive seasons with the Chiefs under head coach Andy Reid.

Hunt, a former Pro Bowler, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team’s offense, having spent the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

His familiarity with Reid’s system is an added bonus, but despite his impressive credentials, Hunt will not be immediately promoted to the active roster.

Coach Reid announced that Hunt will not play in the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, which leaves the Chiefs with some uncertainty regarding their backfield for Week 3.

As a result, the responsibility of leading the Chiefs’ rushing attack falls on two players: Carson Steele and Samaje Perine.

Both players are relatively new to the Chiefs, and neither has significant experience as a primary back in the NFL.

However, their roles in the upcoming game will be critical, as the team needs a solid ground game to support Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Kansas City offense.

Carson Steele, an undrafted rookie, garnered attention during the preseason with his hard-nosed running style.

Officially listed as a fullback, Steele’s physicality and tough running made him stand out, and now he finds himself as the Chiefs’ starting running back for Week 3. While Steele’s preseason performance was promising, regular season play is a different challenge.

Steele has carried the ball just nine times for a total of 27 yards so far this season, averaging a modest 3.0 yards per carry.

While his statistics are not yet eye-popping, his tenacity and drive will be tested in his first start as the lead rusher.

Steele is no stranger to being the focal point of a team’s rushing attack.

At Ball State, he started all 12 games during the 2022 season and rushed for over 1,500 yards.

His college success showed his potential, but transitioning to the NFL has been more challenging, as it is for most rookies.

A major concern for the Chiefs heading into Week 3 is Steele’s ball security.

In last week’s game against the Bengals, Steele fumbled the ball—a mistake that could prove costly, especially in the tightly contested matchups the Chiefs are likely to face as the season progresses.

Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons is a pivotal moment for Steele to prove his worth within the Chiefs’ offense.

This is not only an opportunity for him to showcase his rushing abilities but also a chance for him to solidify his role on the team even after Kareem Hunt is activated.

With Hunt expected to be promoted to the active roster by Week 4, Steele’s time as the starting running back may be limited.

Therefore, a strong performance in Week 3 could give him more playing time, even when Hunt returns.

On the other hand, if Steele struggles, the Chiefs may find themselves forced into a more pass-heavy game plan, something they have the capability to execute with Mahomes at the helm.

However, relying solely on the passing game could make the Chiefs’ offense too predictable, a risk they cannot afford against a Falcons defense that is hungry for an upset.

One area where Steele has yet to make an impact is the passing game.

Despite being a powerful runner, he has not caught a single pass in an NFL game.

This is something that will need to change if the Chiefs are to maintain a balanced and dynamic offense.

In the modern NFL, running backs are expected to contribute as pass-catchers, particularly in a system like Kansas City’s, which thrives on versatility and unpredictability.

If Steele can improve his performance as a receiver out of the backfield, he will become a more complete and valuable asset to the team.

Meanwhile, Samaje Perine will take on the role of the team’s primary passing-down back.

The seven-year NFL veteran is new to the Chiefs but has built a reputation as one of the league’s top receiving backs.

Throughout his career, Perine has proven to be reliable in catching passes out of the backfield and providing solid pass protection for his quarterbacks.

Perine’s experience will be crucial as the Chiefs navigate this challenging period without Pacheco and Hunt, especially when it comes to third-down plays and other critical passing situations.

However, Perine cannot do it all on his own. While he is expected to be the go-to back on passing downs, Steele will also need to contribute in this area.

If the Chiefs rely too heavily on Perine for passing plays, it could become easier for opposing defenses to predict their offensive schemes.

A balanced attack, with both Steele and Perine involved in both running and passing plays, will keep the Falcons defense on their heels and give the Chiefs the best chance to succeed.

In addition to his contributions as a receiver, Steele will need to play a key role in pass protection.

Protecting Mahomes is always a top priority for the Chiefs, and Steele’s ability to pick up blitzes and block effectively could make a significant difference in the game.

A strong performance in pass protection would demonstrate Steele’s value to the team, beyond just his running ability.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Kareem Hunt’s return to the Chiefs’ active roster will have a major impact on the team’s offense.

Hunt’s talent and experience are undeniable, and his history with the Chiefs gives him a unique advantage as he re-integrates into the system.

During his time with the Browns, Hunt was known for his strength in the red zone, particularly in the 2023 season, when he scored a career-high nine rushing touchdowns.

His ability to find the end zone will be a valuable asset for the Chiefs, especially as they face tough opponents in the coming weeks.

However, until Hunt is fully activated, the spotlight is on Carson Steele and Samaje Perine.

For Steele, this is a golden opportunity to make a name for himself and show that he belongs in the NFL.

For Perine, this is a chance to establish himself as a key contributor in Kansas City’s backfield, even after Hunt returns.

Together, they will need to step up and deliver if the Chiefs are to remain undefeated and continue their push for another Super Bowl run.

Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons is more than just another game on the schedule.

It is a test of resilience and adaptability for the Chiefs, a team that has grown accustomed to success but now faces adversity.

With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs’ passing game will always be a threat, but their ability to run the ball effectively will be crucial to their long-term success.

As fans eagerly await kickoff, all eyes will be on Carson Steele, the undrafted rookie who now has a chance to shine on one of the NFL’s biggest stages.