The Carson Steele Eagles story has become more important as Philadelphia deals with a shortage of healthy running backs during the 2026 NFL season. The Eagles promoted Steele from their practice squad to the active roster on October 9, giving the young running back an opportunity to contribute during the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The latest developments have made his role particularly relevant, with Saquon Barkley sidelined by a hamstring injury and Will Shipley subsequently ruled out after suffering a foot injury during the game.
Steele entered the season competing for a place in Philadelphia’s backfield after an encouraging preseason as a runner and receiver. Although he has not yet established himself as a regular NFL starter, his receiving ability, physical running style, and previous professional experience give the Eagles another option while their backfield faces significant challenges.
His promotion also represents an important stage in his career. After beginning his NFL journey with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, Steele has another opportunity to demonstrate that he can contribute consistently at the highest level of professional football.
Latest Carson Steele Eagles Update
Philadelphia signed Steele from its practice squad to the active roster on October 9, 2026. The move came shortly before the Eagles traveled to London to face Jacksonville in their Week 5 contest.
The promotion followed a difficult stretch for the team’s running back group. Barkley was ruled out because of a hamstring injury, while Tank Bigsby had been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a core injury that required surgery. Will Shipley was expected to take on an important role in the rushing attack, with Dameon Pierce providing additional depth.
The situation changed again during Sunday’s game. Shipley left after suffering a foot injury and was subsequently ruled out. His departure placed further pressure on Philadelphia’s available backfield options.
Steele’s elevation therefore became more than a routine roster adjustment. It gave the coaching staff another player to consider while managing injuries and distributing offensive responsibilities.
However, an active-roster promotion does not automatically establish a player as the starter. Steele’s playing time depends on the team’s game plan, his execution, and the availability of other running backs.
The latest developments nevertheless create an important opportunity for him to show that he can handle NFL responsibilities when the team’s depth is tested.
Why Philadelphia Needed Another Running Back
The Eagles entered the Jacksonville matchup with several concerns affecting their offensive personnel. Barkley’s absence removed the team’s leading running back from consideration for the game, while Bigsby’s injured-reserve placement reduced the available depth further.
Shipley’s injury added another complication once the game began.
NFL teams generally carry several running backs because the position requires repeated physical contact and a variety of responsibilities. A player may be needed to run between the tackles, catch passes, protect the quarterback, or contribute on special teams. When injuries affect multiple players, coaches must adjust those responsibilities quickly.
Steele offers Philadelphia another option who has already experienced regular-season NFL competition. His familiarity with professional football and his work during the Eagles’ preseason give the coaching staff information to draw upon when deciding how to use him.
The challenge is that opportunity and performance are separate matters. Steele must still demonstrate that he can execute assignments against regular-season defenses, protect the ball, and make efficient decisions when carries or receptions become available.
His promotion puts him in position to compete, but his long-term place in the rotation will depend on what he produces.
Carson Steele’s NFL Journey From Kansas City to Philadelphia
Steele entered the NFL in 2024 after playing college football at UCLA. He was not selected in the NFL Draft, but the Kansas City Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent and gave him a chance to earn a roster position.
That opportunity led to regular-season appearances during his rookie year. Steele appeared in 17 games for Kansas City in 2024, recording 56 rushing attempts for 183 yards and seven receptions for 26 yards. He also contributed on special teams.
His rushing average was 3.3 yards per carry, and he did not record a rushing touchdown during that season. Those numbers provide a useful baseline for evaluating his professional experience, although they do not fully capture the different assignments he handled for Kansas City.
The Chiefs’ season ended with an appearance in Super Bowl LIX. Being part of an organization competing at that level gave Steele experience within a demanding professional environment.
In 2025, he spent the season on Kansas City’s practice squad. Although that period did not add regular-season statistics to his record, remaining in the NFL gave him an opportunity to continue developing and preparing for another chance.
Philadelphia became that next opportunity in January 2026, when Steele signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles.
The contract allowed him to compete during the offseason and training camp. He subsequently made an impression during preseason games, particularly with his receiving production.
After the Eagles released him during roster reductions, Steele joined their practice squad rather than leaving the organization. His October promotion completed another step in his effort to establish a lasting NFL role.
Carson Steele’s Strong Receiving Preseason in 2026
One of the most notable elements of Steele’s preseason performance was his work as a receiver.
Across Philadelphia’s three preseason games, he recorded 14 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. His average of 9.7 yards per reception showed that he could contribute when the offense used him as a passing option.
His performance against New England on August 22 was particularly productive. Steele caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his ability to gain meaningful yardage after becoming involved in the passing game.
He followed that performance against Cincinnati on August 28 by catching eight passes for 52 yards and another touchdown. He also carried the ball eight times for 24 yards in that game.
His rushing totals across the preseason were less impressive. Steele finished with 21 attempts for 59 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per carry without a rushing touchdown.
| Preseason category | 2026 total |
|---|---|
| Rushing attempts | 21 |
| Rushing yards | 59 |
| Average yards per carry | 2.8 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
| Receptions | 14 |
| Receiving yards | 136 |
| Average yards per reception | 9.7 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 |
The difference between his rushing and receiving production is worth watching as his NFL role develops. His preseason receiving numbers give Philadelphia evidence that he may offer value beyond traditional rushing duties.
Preseason statistics should not be treated as a guarantee of regular-season success, however. Defensive personnel, game intensity, offensive line performance, and available playing time can all change a player’s production.
Steele now needs to show that his receiving ability can translate into dependable contributions when the games matter.