Few Kansas City Chiefs players have stood out more over the past couple of weeks than undrafted rookie running back/fullback Carson Steele.
After shining often in practices, Steele averaged 7.3 yards per carry during the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also fought his way into the end zone for his first preseason touchdown at the NFL level.
Originally an afterthought to make the Week 1 roster, Steele has climbed the depth chart quickly and is now a popular pick of most beat reporters to make the team as the new fullback/RB4 — a role initially reserved for rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit.
Head coach Andy Reid had a sort of challenge for the promising UDFA on August 12, however.
“He’s got to be a good special teams player,” the Chiefs HC told reporters candidly. “You know, if he’s going to make the team, he’s got to be a good special teams player and he’s got to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he’s doing right now.”
Coach Reid added that Steele had a “productive day” during the opener. He also noted that the rookie is still “learning” the fullback position “as needed.”
And that if they have to, they can always use tight end Noah Gray as a part-time fullback too.
Carson Steele Wants to Be ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for Chiefs, Feels ‘Pretty Good’ About Contributing on Special Teams
Addressing the media himself after Reid, Steele seemed well aware of his coach’s message.
“Honestly, that was kind of my main goal coming into camp,” Steele responded after being asked about his development at fullback. “My main goal was to try to be like a Swiss army knife. Try to do it all, type of deal. Wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in.”
“Like they were saying, implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially catch [the ball] out of the backfield too,” he explained. “Not only just being able to run [the ball].”
Steele did admit that he’s never been asked to play fullback before, noting that his college offense didn’t really use one. Having said that, the power rusher seemed very comfortable with adapting to the role, joking that he is “more of a style of a fullback” with the way he plays the game.
In terms of making an impact on special teams, Steele appears to have taken that to heart as well.
“I feel pretty good,” he said about picking up the ST department. “I’m learning the new rules and stuff about the kickoffs, so that’s a little different to me and I haven’t played special teams in a little while — since like freshman, sophomore year of college. So, definitely was something new to me and I really got to learn from there.”
