Saturday against the Jaguars was the first opportunity for the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff to see all of their young players showcase their talent during a live game.
One player that’s on his way towards earning a roster spot is undrafted rookie running back Carson Steele, who made his presence felt during his preseason debut.
Steele’s first NFL carry went for 20 yards as he steamrolled through the Jacksonville defense, breaking three tackles before finally being tackled. Although he’s officially listed a fullback on the depth chart, Steele showed he could be very effective carrying the rock.
After practice, Steele told reporters he wants to do it all for Kansas City.
“My main goal is trying to be like a Swiss army knife, try to do-it-all type of deal,” Steele explained. “Wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in. And so, like they were saying, implementing the fullback in there as well as being able to block, especially catching out of the backfield, too, not only just being able to run.”
Steele reintroduces the fullback position to the Chiefs after the club went without one last season. The UCLA product acknowledged that his team made due without a lead blocker but understands his primary role will be leading the way in short yardage situations.
“Coach Reid has had his fullbacks before. They didn’t have one last year, and talking with the coaches and stuff as I got picked up was the kind of thing we talked about,” Steele explained. “Coming in on packages, third and one, third and twos, and being able to be a bigger guy and block, especially catching out of the backfield, as well.”
Steele is currently the Chiefs preseason rushing leader with four carries for 29 yards and a touchdown. This Saturday he’ll have another chance to prove to the coaches he deserves a roster spot when Kansas City returns to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to face the Detroit Lions for Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
