Kansas City Chiefs Re-Sign Impressive Rookie RB to Practice Squad After Clearing Waivers
Kansas City’s final roster cuts always create tough choices, but one decision stood out as particularly unpopular among fans. A rookie running back with bruising power and preseason production was waived on August 26, sparking widespread disappointment.
The move was understandable in a crowded backfield, yet the backlash was swift. Many believed his unique skill set made him too valuable to lose, even with Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt holding established roles.
That rookie is Carson Steele, the undrafted 2024 prospect from UCLA who captured fan admiration with his bulldozer style. After clearing waivers, the Chiefs re-signed Steele to the practice squad, easing concerns over his immediate future.
Steele’s preseason performances reinforced his reputation as a physical, versatile playmaker. Across three exhibition games, he logged 87 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and multiple highlight runs where he broke tackles and fought for extra yards.
Beyond running ability, Steele showed flexibility that earned him the “Swiss Army knife” label. He lined up as both running back and fullback while contributing on special teams, traits that made him an appealing developmental piece.
College production supported the excitement. At UCLA, Steele racked up 3,456 rushing yards across his career, demonstrating durability and a punishing running style that translated well to NFL preseason competition despite being overlooked during the draft process.
Fan sentiment leaned heavily in Steele’s favor. Yardbarker and Bleacher Report highlighted his strong preseason, while social media feeds filled with posts urging Kansas City to retain him. Many labeled him a “fan favorite” worth developing.
Re-signing Steele to the practice squad reflects Kansas City’s strategy of retaining depth without sacrificing roster flexibility. For the 22-year-old, it marks another chance to grow within Andy Reid’s system and fuel optimism among Chiefs Kingdom.