The Kansas City Chiefs running backs room is looking very empty right now. Isiah Pachecho went down with a broken fibula against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs suddenly need running back depth with their starting workhorse out for the next two months.
The team signed Kareem Hunt to the practice squad this week, reuniting him with Andy Reid in Kansas City. Hunt will likely be the Chiefs’ lead running back going forward. Unfortunately, Coach Reid confirmed on Friday that Hunt will not be elevated to the active roster before their next game against the Atlanta Falcons.
That leaves Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as the only Chiefs running backs available in Week 3. Both are in their first season with Kansas City and have never handled lead-back duties in their NFL careers. So what should we expect from Chiefs’ running backs on Sunday night?
Chiefs’ Carson Steele Gets Shot At Starting Running Back
Undrafted rookie Carson Steele made headlines for his raucous running in the preseason. Steele is technically listed as a fullback on the team roster. Despite this designation, he will most likely be used as the Chiefs’ starting running back Sunday night against the Falcons.
Steele is no stranger to handling the majority of carries for an offense. He started all 12 games for Ball State in 2022, rushing for over 1500 yards. After shining in a similar role this preseason, Carson Steele will get a chance to be the primary ball carrier in Week 3.
Though he has limited opportunities, Carson Steele’s success has yet to carry over to the regular season. He has nine carries for 27 yards, averaging just 3.0 YPC. Furthermore, Steele lost a fumble last week against the Bengals on a rudimentary play.
Sunday night’s game is a huge opportunity for Steele to prove what he can do in the Chiefs’ offense. A big game could earn him more carries even when Kareem Hunt is eventually activated.
If Steele struggles, the Chiefs could resort to a one-dimensional passing offense against the Falcons. Steele needs to produce in some way, whether it be on first down, in the red zone, or on crucial third downs.
Will Carson Steele Be Used in the Passing Game?
Carson Steele has yet to make a reception so far in an NFL game. That will need to change if the Chiefs want to come away with a victory on Sunday night.
Samaje Perine will be the Chiefs’ primary passing-down running back. The seven-year pro has only been with the Chiefs for a few weeks. However, Perine has made a name for himself as one of the league’s best pass-catching backs.
Steele will have to offer some contributions in the passing game nonetheless. The Chiefs can’t simply use Steele on running plays and Perine on passing plays. This makes their offense far too predictable. At the very least, Steele will have to provide additional pass protection for Patrick Mahomes.
What to Expect After Week 3
Sunday night’s game against the Falcons will likely be the only game where Carson Steele starts at running back. Barring any major setbacks, Kareem Hunt is expected to be elevated from the practice squad during Week 4.
Hunt has proven he can still be a featured back based on his last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. The former Pro Bowler also spent his first two seasons with the Chiefs in Andy Reid’s offense. He is especially effective in the red zone, scoring a career-high nine rushing touchdowns in 2023.
With Hunt likely to take over the feature role sooner than later, this may be the only game where Carson Steele is the Chiefs’ starting running back. If the Chiefs hope to stay undefeated on the year, their running backs will have to step up in Week 3.
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