On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs had their first opportunity to see multiple young players make their NFL debuts, giving coaches an early indication of what they can offer the team.
Chiefs rookie Carson Steele is listed as a running back but has garnered attention as a potential fullback if he makes the final roster. After an impressive preseason debut over the weekend, he spoke with reporters on Monday after practice to address his role on the team.
“My main goal is trying to be like a Swiss army knife, try to do it all type of deal,” said Steele. “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 catch out of the backfield, too, not only just being able to run.”
During Saturday’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Steele had four rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown, proving he can dominate in short-yardage situations. Steele opened up about his potential role on the team as a fullback, which drew him to sign with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent.
“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.”
The Chiefs went last season without a fullback and haven’t had one since Michael Burton’s departure a few seasons ago. Steele appears eager for any opportunity and is willing to embrace the new role as a fullback.