Beloved Chiefs Rookie Officially Lost His Job in Week 8 Raiders Win

The Chiefs have interesting decisions ahead at running back with the impending returns of both Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco. Based on recent snap counts and usage, it looks like undrafted rookie Carson Steele could be the odd man out with Samaje Perine stealing his role in recent weeks.

Steele burst onto the scene with an impressive start to his first year but struggled with fumble issues. Kansas City reunited with Kareem Hunt, who has since taken over the the starting workhorse backfield role.

It'll be interesting to see how Andy Reid uses Hunt and Pacheco as a combination, though it appears that Steele has fallen out of favor.

Chiefs RB Carson Steele's Usage Keeps Declining

Steele was on the field for only 11% of the snaps in Week 8 compared to Perine's 32%. It was the rookie's smallest participation since Week 1. With Edwards-Helaire and Pacheco back soon, it'll be interesting to see how Steele is used.

The Chiefs could waive him and hope to keep him on the practice squad, though Steele has shown enough early that he'd be a popular player across the league. Reid and Brett Veach could choose to keep him on the active roster, but that'd give Kansas City five running backs which doesn't seem plausible given the other holes on the roster.

Since he's struggled to protect the football, Steele's place is far from secure. The most likely outcome remains trying to slide him through waivers yet Steele has become a fan-favorite youngster thanks to his brutal physical rushing style. That has value, especially as the season goes on.

Keep a close eye on Steele's usage in Week 9 against the Buccaneers. It could be his last chance to prove he belongs on the team moving forward.

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