The Kansas City Chiefs improved their record to 2-0 in the 2024 NFL season with a hard-fought 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Unfortunately, the win was not without heartbreak, as Chiefs No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a lower-body injury during the final drive of the game that caused him to leave Arrowhead Stadium in walking boots.
With Pacheco reportedly suffering a broken fibula, it’s clear that the Chiefs will be without him for some time. While Kansas City fans wonder who will take over the RB1 position until Pacheco returns, head coach Andy Reid has announced his favorite to lead the backfield.
On Monday, Reid was asked about fullback Carson Steele potentially replacing Pacheco in the backfield. According to ESPN’s Adam Teicher, the 60-year-old HC told reporters that Steele “needs to take a step forward” if he wants to lead Kansas City’s RB room.
Reid on the possibility of Carson Steele moving into the spotlight as a running back: “He’s going to have to improve in that role.”
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) 16 September 2024
It’s clear that Reid wants to prove to the undrafted rookie that he deserves more opportunities. Although Steele impressed in the preseason with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, his regular-season production hasn’t matched that. He’s converted just nine carries into 27 rushing yards while being limited to 19 offensive snaps.
Reading between the lines, Reid will likely go with one of the Chiefs’ veteran rushers in Week 3. Recent free agent signing Samaje Perine has some experience as a lead back, having started 12 of his 95 career games, while veteran running back Keaontay Ingram started one of his eight appearances with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
Not to mention, fellow undrafted rookie RB Emani Bailey is also expected to stick with Steele to get playing time. Clyde Edwards-Helaire would likely be the team’s preferred RB1 option due to his familiarity with Reid, but has been on the injured list since the start of the season due to mental health issues.
However, general manager Brett Veach may still be tempted to explore the free agent market if none of the Chiefs’ in-house backfield options pan out.
Meanwhile, Kansas City will continue with what it has as it faces a showdown with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Bookmakers are confident the Chiefs can improve their record to 3-0 as FanDuel Sportsbook currently has them as 4.5-point favorites over the Falcons.
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