Tag: Carson Steele

Chiefs HC Andy Reid praises Carson Steele’s week of practice after not elevating Kareem Hunt

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praises Carson Steele’s week of practice after not elevating Kareem Hunt | @EdEastonJr

The upcoming battle with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night for the Kansas City Chiefs could see an undrafted rookie starting at running back.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid decided to keep Kareem Hunt off the active roster for Sunday’s game official during Friday’s press conference.

“He did good. He’s in decent shape. Now, listen, he’s got to have an opportunity to play. He played a football game somewhere. So, to tell you the rest, he came in good shape. So that’s a plus.” said Reid. “We’ll see how it goes next week and see where he’s at; he got a lot of reps this week with a scout team. So that was good for him to get in there, run around, and get back into the football part.”

Rookie running back Carson Steele had additional opportunities with the starters during the week in Isiah Pacheco’s absence. Although Reid hasn’t officially made the decision, the assumption is that Steele will likely start on Sunday.

“He (Steele) doesn’t say much. He just kind of goes in and does his thing and goes 100 miles an hour every play,” said Reid. “So that’s what he did this week, and he did a nice job with that time.”

Chiefs running back coach Todd Pinkston also spoke highly of Steele at practice earlier this week, anticipating playing more on Sunday night.

“Carson (Steele) is going in just being confident,” said Pinkston. “You can see his work ethic, and (the) things that he’s doing are very impressive.”

Fantasy Football: 20 waiver wire targets for Week 3

Scrambling to replace Isiah Pacheco and Cooper Kupp in your fantasy football lineup? Here are 20 waiver wire targets to consider this week.

We’re just two weeks into the 2024 NFL season and injuries are already piling up across the league.

The two biggest injuries from a fantasy football perspective this week are Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (who is going on injured reserve with an ankle injury) and Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (who is also a candidate for IR with an ankle injury).

The in-house candidates to replace Pacheco in KC are Samaje Perine and Carson Steele, but there might be non-Chiefs running backs available on the waiver wire who are better options to replace Pacheco in your fantasy lineup. Kansas City is also bringing in Kareem Hunt for a free agent visit today.

In Los Angeles, the Rams are now missing both Puka Nacua and Kupp. That leaves Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson as the top WRs still standing, and rookie Jordan Whittington is a massive sleeper to consider this week.

Check out the full list of fantasy football waiver wire targets below. Each player’s roster percentage in ESPN fantasy football leagues is listed in parentheses.

  1. RB Bucky Irving (30%)
  2. RB Braelon Allen (8%)
  3. RB Kareem Hunt (1%)
  4. RB Rico Dowdle (38%)
  5. RB Dameon Pierce (3%)
  6. RB Antonio Gibson (33%)
  7. RB Trey Benson (44%)
  8. RB Samaje Perine (4%)
  9. RB Carson Steele (2%)
  10. WR Quentin Johnston (7%)
  11. WR Alec Pierce (14%)
  12. WR Demarcus Robinson (34%)
  13. WR Jordan Whittington (3%)
  14. WR Tyler Johnson (13%)
  15. WR Tutu Atwell (1%)
  16. TE Colby Parkinson (45%)
  17. TE Zach Ertz (7%)
  18. TE Hunter Henry (11%)
  19. QB Justin Fields (32%)
  20. QB Derek Carr (10%)

For more fantasy football coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses increasing Carson Steele’s role: ‘He likes to be challenged’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discusses increasing Carson Steele’s role: ‘He likes to be challenged’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated to start their three-peat journey and face an immediate future of relying on rookies. Xavier Worthy is starting in place of the injured ‘Hollywood’ Brown, and Carson Steele can do more while Isiah Pacheco is out of the lineup.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Monday via Zoom about Steele potentially seeing more playing time in Pacheco’s absence.

“Yeah, well, he’s gonna have to step it up there and in that role, so, but I think he’s, he likes to be challenged, and I think this will be a good challenge for him,” said Reid. “He’s, obviously, gotta keep the ball high and tight. He had the fumble yesterday, and he doesn’t have a history of that, so he’s got to make sure he learns from that.”

Steele was a fan favorite through training camp and the preseason, earning his way into the 53-man roster. He had a fumble in Sunday’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals but was still effective, finishing with seven carries for 24 yards used on short-yardage situations. An increase in touches, while Pacheco recovers from his fibula injury, could be impactful for the rookie from UCLA.

Chiefs will reportedly place RB Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve

Kansas City #Chiefs will reportedly place running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ victory Sunday over the Cincinnati Bengals may have come at a cost to one of their offensive weapons.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to land on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter on Sunday. The third-year breakout star “underwent X-rays last night and will undergo an MRI today to determine if there is a fracture and or ligament damage to his ankle.” said Schefter. “But they are preparing for him to land on injured reserve.”

Pacheco hobbled off the field during the game’s final drive as rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine took his place. The former Rutgers standout was seen wearing a walking boot and on crutches leaving Arrowhead Stadium last night.

If the Chiefs decide to place Pacheco on injured reserve, he will be required to miss four games. He joins a group of offensive players already on the reserve, including Clyde Edwards-Helaire and ‘Hollywood’ Brown. Pacheco was off to an impressive start to the season, rushing 90 yards on 19 carries in Sunday’s victory before the injury.

Isiah Pacheco’s injury means it’s Carson Steele SZN for the Chiefs and in fantasy football

A look at the Chiefs running back situation with Isiah Pacheco fracturing his fibula.

Isiah Pacheco is set to miss a bunch of time after he fractured his fibula on Sunday in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, a devastating blow to the defending champs.

And in fantasy football, if you hoped Pacheco would be an RB1 who would consistently carry you week to week? He looked the part until the horrible injury.

So … now what?

Let’s break down each of the running backs on the Chiefs’ roster and discuss how you should approach them if you need a replacement on the waiver wire for Pacheco for however long he misses action for the Chiefs:

Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele (42) celebrates his touchdown score during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Dude is a fullback out of UCLA who signed as an undrafted free agent. And we saw him look pretty good on Sunday despite a fumble. He may not get a ton of targets in the passing game (more on that in a sec) but for now, he’s the priority to play meaningful minutes.

Samaje Perine

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine (34) runs the ball as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) makes the tackle during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images 

There was a time I’d be excited if Perine was more of a factor in the Chiefs offense, but that time is not now. He’s barely gotten any looks as a pass catching back and he has zero carries. Maybe he’s more of a factor now, but I don’t see it. Still, he’s worth rostering in case he gets more playing time.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

He was placed on the non-football illness list as he deals with PTSD. That means he may not be back until Week 5, but there isn’t any certainty there. We hope he’s OK.

Will the Chiefs sign or trade for another running back?

I’m guessing yes. Who? That’s uncertain, but keep an eye out.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce praises rookie teammate: ‘He can do some things with the ball’

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce praises rookie Carson Steele: ‘He can do some things with the ball’ | @EdEastonJr

The 2024 season is set to get underway for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are set to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.

During the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis shares his thoughts on undrafted rookie Carson Steele joining the team after impressing everyone in training camp and the preseason.

“I think he’s a little bit more than a fullback. He’s athletic, and he can do some things with the ball in his hand,” said Kelce. “On top of that, he’s a big special teams guy. A whatever you need me to do coach kind of guy.”

Steele joins a Chiefs team seeking a three-peat filled with veterans such as Kelce. He describes the mindset going into the new season.

“You don’t get to the Super Bowl by thinking about winning the Super Bowl; you get to the Super Bowl by slowly creating this routine of success ‒ week in, week out,” said Kelce. “We know that it’s a process that you have to go through. You can’t peak too soon. You can’t look that far in advance and just assume that you’re going to be there.”

Kansas City’s team this season has a healthy mix of veterans and young players focused on returning to another Super Bowl. Kelce understands it will be another long grind that can’t accomplished in one week.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire placed on non-football illness list

Clyde Edwards-Helaire will miss at least four weeks of the regular season after the #Chiefs placed him on the non-football illness list.

According to a report by ESPN’s Field Yates, the Kansas City Chiefs have placed backup running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve/non-football illness list.

Edwards-Helaire, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2020 after a stellar college career at LSU, has helped them win back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023. Despite losing his starting spot in Andy Reid’s offense to running back Isiah Pacheco, the former CFP National Champion has provided much-needed depth in Kansas City’s backfield, and figures to play a role for the Chiefs this season when he returns.

Despite the temporary loss of the fourth-year veteran, Kansas City’s ground game is still expected to be productive with breakout rookie Carson Steele, and former Cincinnati Bengal Samaje Perine backing up Pacheco.

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1830620261764247717

Edwards-Helaire is expected to be out for at least the first four games of the regular season. Though this loss is significant, the Chiefs’ deep running back room is expected to step up in his absence.

Carson Steele makes Chiefs 53-man roster

Carson Steele makes the cut!

The UCLA Bruins saw a number of players earn opportunities in the NFL during the 2024 offseason. One of them was running back Carson Steele, who transferred from Ball State and then finished his career with UCLA.

Steele went undrafted but was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and worked hard during camp to try and crack the roster.

On Tuesday with roster cuts coming, Steele ended up making the 53-man roster, per Jordan Schultz.

“Chiefs undrafted FA RB/FB Carson Steele has made the 53-man roster after a very impressive training camp and preseason, per multiple sources.”

Steele had an impressive preseason and he played well in all three games.

  • Week 1vs. the Jaguars: 4 carries, 29 yards, one touchdown
  • Week 2 vs. the Lions: 3 carries for 8 yards
  • Week 3 vs. the Bears: 4 carries, 50 yards, one touchdown

Now, Steele ends up making the roster and joins a running back room that includes Isiah Pacheco.

Carson Steele making case to stay on Kansas City Chiefs roster

Carson Steele, former UCLA Bruins football running back had a big game in the preseason finale on Thursday for the Kansas City Chiefs.

It has been an impressive training camp for former UCLA Bruins running back Carson Steele. The undrafted rookie from Greenwood Indiana, who will not turn 22 until October is making a case for the Kansas City Chiefs to keep him on their regular season roster.

Steele scored his first preseason touchdown on Thursday in the loss to the Chicago Bears. He rushed a total of four times for 50 yards, including the 31-yard scamper into the end zone.

He is listed as a fullback on the Chiefs roster and currently is the only one in that position. Kansas City will likely give the ball to Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire early and often when the 2024 season starts, but it is exciting to see Steele get a chance.

In College, he started at Ball State and then joined the Bruins in 2023. With UCLA he played in all 12 games and ran for 847 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 163 yards, and scored twice as well.

Former Chiefs OL breaks down Carson Steele’s long run vs. Bears

Former #Chiefs OL Geoff Schwartz broke down Carson Steele’s long run against the #Bears in a film review on Twitter.

Rookie running back Carson Steele was on fire in the Kansas City Chiefs’ final preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears. The upstart rusher had four carries for 50 yards and scored one touchdown in a performance that will almost certainly earn him a spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster.

The way Carson Steele pushed defensive players out of his way to get his route downfield was incredible, and the former UCLA star seemed unstoppable with the ball in his hands.

Former Chiefs offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz broke down Steele’s most impressive run in a film breakdown on Twitter after Kansas City’s loss to Chicago and told fans why the rookie is such an exciting prospect.

Steele isn’t expected to push starting running back Isiah Pacheco for playing time in the regular season but made a great case to be the Chiefs’ No. 2 option in the backfield with his exceptional efforts in the preseason.