Carson Steele fantasy projection: Is Chiefs RB a good pick after Isiah Pacheco's injury?

Carson Steele was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. He was expected to add depth to their running backs behind workhorse Isiah Pacheco, but his fantasy football outlook has drastically changed following Week 2.

Pacheco suffered a leg injury during their game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, which has reportedly been diagnosed as a fractured right fibula. While this is absolutely devastating news for the Chiefs, it gives Steele an opportunity to potentially serve as their featured back. Here's where the rookie's fantasy projections currently stand following the unexpected change to his expected role.

Carson Steele fantasy projection

Carson Steele

Carson Steele spent the first two seasons of his college football career with the Ball State Cardinals before transferring to the UCLA Bruins for his final year. He was productive in his three seasons as a collegiate running back, totaling 706 touches for 3,780 scrimmage yards and 30 touchdowns. Despite going undrafted in 2024, his upside resulted in the Chiefs signing him ahead of the season.

Landing in Kansas City with one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL can be a major benefit to any offensive player. Steele's projections in fantasy football were limited due to his role being minimal, but Pacheco's injury completely changed his outlook. He's now expected to serve as their starting running back in Week 3, making him a valuable target on the waiver wire.

In two games so far this season, Carson Steele has totaled just nine carries for 27 yards. If he is named the starter in Pacheco's absence, his upside puts him in the range of an RB2 on many fantasy rosters considering his situation in an elite offense.

When will Isiah Pacheco return from injury?

Isiah Pacheco

Isiah Pacheco broke out in a major way during the 2023 fantasy football season while serving as the featured running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished as the RB16 in season-long fantasy football and was off to another strong start to this season. In his first two games before suffering a fractured fibula, he totaled 41 touches for 189 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

The devastating news of the severe injury means that Pacheco is likely to miss significant time during the 2024 season. The Chiefs have yet to make an official announcement, but many reports indicate that he is expected to land on the injured reserve list. If he is, he will be forced to miss at least the next four games, but depending on his test results, it could be even longer.