Should I Pickup Carson Steele Or Samaje Perine? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

The Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula in Sunday’s 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Reportedly, the Chiefs will place the star running back on injured reserve, knocking him out of the lineup for the next four games.

Unfortunately, depending on what further testing shows, he could miss more time. Kansas City could add a running back in free agency or via a trade over the next few days. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are the two running backs on the roster besides Pacheco.

Which running back should fantasy players add off the wavier wire with Pacheco out for at least the next four games? Let’s dive into it.

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Should I Pickup Carson Steele Or Samaje Perine?

The Chiefs have sparingly used Steele and Perine this season. Steele has played 17% of the snaps, totaling nine rushing attempts and zero targets. Meanwhile, Perine has played 12% of the snaps, totaling zero rushing attempts and three targets after joining the team a few weeks ago.

#Chiefs Backup RB Usage so far this season

- Carson Steele: 17% snaps, 9 carries, 0 targets
- Samaje Perine: 12% snaps, 0 carries, 3 targets

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 16, 2024

Fantasy players can’t have much confidence in picking up and starting either running back anytime soon. Perine has the experience but lacks upside on the ground. Meanwhile, Steele was a preseason darling. However, Kansas City might struggle to trust him in a larger role, especially after a critical fumble on Sunday.

While neither option is ideal for fantasy players, I have no interest in adding Perine. The veteran has a low floor and no upside as the team’s pass-catching running back. Steele is an unknown, giving him some upside in deeper leagues.

Other Potential Running Back Options For The Kansas City Chiefs?

The Chiefs could explore trade options. Khalil Herbert was a popular preseason trade candidate and might be available at the right price. However, the team is more likely to add a veteran running back in free agency rather than trading for one.

While Jerick McKinnon is available, he doesn’t solve Kansas City’s need for an early-down running back. Another potential option is Kareem Hunt. While he and the team split on bad terms years ago, the veteran had nine rushing touchdowns in 2023 and would give the Chiefs a reliable veteran in the backfield until Pacheco is healthy. However, fantasy players shouldn’t add him until/if he signs with Kansas City.

Feels like a Kareem Hunt & Chiefs reunion is on the horizon

— FFTony (@ItsJustFantasy_) September 16, 2024

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