Recently Released Chiefs Rookie Finds New Home in Week 14
By Jovan Alford
Former Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emani Bailey has found his next opportunity late in the 2024 season.
On Tuesday, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reported that the former Chiefs rookie was signed to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Bailey was cut from the Chiefs’ practice squad on Nov. 6 after he signed with Kansas City following the 2024 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent.
The #Panthers added RB Emani Bailey, TE Dominique Dafney and OLB Thomas Incoom to the practice squad, per the NFL transaction report.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) December 3, 2024
They put TE Stephen Sullivan and RB Dillion Johnson on P-squad IR.
They also cut DB Alex Cook and WR Sam Pinckney from the p-squad.
The former TCU running back spent all of training camp and preseason with the Chiefs but did not make the team’s final 53-man roster. The Chiefs kept fellow UDFA running back Carson Steele, who was a star in the preseason. Bailey had 29 rushing yards on 10 carries across three preseason games.
After getting cut, Kansas City wasted no time, signing Bailey to the practice squad. The 5-foot-7 running back didn’t appear in any regular season games with the Chiefs, but he may get a chance in Carolina.
The Panthers have a dynamic 1-2 combo in their running back room with Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks. However, Carolina’s RB3 is Raheem Blackshear, who plays mostly on special teams (punt and kick return duties).
Bailey didn’t get to show what he could do in Kansas City after a great final season at TCU in 2023. His last year at TCU helped him get looked at by the Chiefs, where he had 1,393 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. Bailey has talent, and the Panthers want to see if he can make an impact on the practice squad.
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