Rookie Rise Up: Carson Steele Steps In as Chiefs Secure 3-0 Start

The Kansas City Chiefs squeezed out another primetime win in Week 3, improving to 3-0 with a victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

Two key storylines dominated pre-game chatter about the Chiefs' rookies: 1.) Carson Steele stepping in for the injured Isiah Pacheco as starting running back, and 2.) Wanya Morris replacing the benched Kingsley Suamataia.

Let's talk Suamataia. After a rough Week 2, it was clear Mahomes was losing faith in his blindside protection and it was throwing off his rhythm. Enter Morris in Week 3, who helped keep Mahomes sack-free against Atlanta. Unless Morris slips up or injuries occur, don't expect to see Suamataia starting at left tackle anytime soon. The Chiefs are gunning for another Super Bowl, after all.

But don't write off Suamataia long-term. We knew he'd be a project, and early struggles aren't shocking. Let's just hope his confidence doesn't take too big a hit.

Rookie running back Carson Steele impressed in his first start as the Chiefs reached 3-0.

Now, onto the rookie of the week: Carson Steele. He silenced skeptics with a solid first career start, even though it meant missing his sister's wedding.

With Isiah Pacheco sidelined by a fractured fibula, concerns about the Chiefs' run game were swirling before the game. Despite signing Kareem Hunt to the practice squad, he wasn't activated for Week 3. Samaje Perine's more of a pass-catcher, and Keontay Ingram's still a depth back. So, Steele got the nod.

Fortunately, Steele delivered, racking up 72 rushing yards on 17 carries (a respectable 4.2 YPC) plus a 2-yard reception. Not mind-blowing, but exactly what the Chiefs needed—a solid downhill runner for early downs.

Steele's not perfect. He's no receiving dynamo or explosive runner, but with Hunt likely to split carries soon and Perine handling passing downs, the Chiefs have options until Pacheco returns. The offense still has kinks to iron out, particularly in red zone play-calling, Mahomes' performance, and Kelce's production. But the running back situation? It's looking pretty solid.

If Steele can keep this up, he'll give the Chiefs a reliable ground game while they fine-tune their air attack. It's rare for undrafted rookies to play key roles on Super Bowl contenders, but Steele's bucking that trend. He's already turning heads with his blonde locks and pet alligator. Who knows? If he keeps producing, he might just become a Chiefs icon. Okay, maybe that's a stretch - but hey, crazier things have happened in the NFL.

If Steele can repeat his Week 3 performance for the next few games, that will give the Chiefs a solid running to fall back on in case their passing game still needs some time to figure out.

It's not common for teams to find undrafted free agents who are ready to play key roles on Super Bowl contenders in the rookie campaigns, but Carson Steele is bucking that trend. He's already famous for his blonde hair and pet alligator, but if he becomes a consistently productive NFL running back, he can become a Chiefs icon (maybe that's a slight exaggeration lol).