Louis Rees-Zammit failed to impress in his latest preseason outing for the Kansas City Chiefs while Carson Steele competes for a roster spot.
Back in April, Rees-Zammit put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Chiefs, officially sealing his future in the NFL . His contract with the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions includes some guaranteed money as well as a signing bonus as he joins as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
However, the first two preseason games have shown just how steep the learning curve to play in the NFL truly is after swapping from rugby union. After appearing somewhat sluggish with his change of direction found wanting on his debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars , Rees-Zammit took to the field against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
The Chiefs once again deployed Rees-Zammit in multiple roles. He returned the opening kickoff 27 yards, operated as a gunner on the punt team and took a good kickoff, highlighting his predominant usefulness on special teams.
While Rees-Zammit did have a good pickup in pass protection on third down late in the 24-23 loss to the Lions, some fans are more impressed by undrafted free agent Steele. The fullback out of UCLA took three carries for just eight yards - but piqued attention with his power.
Against the Jaguars, Steele turned four carries into 29 yards and a touchdown, and he may be competing for Rees-Zammit’s roster spot. One X user seemed to write off the Welshman in favor of Steele already, posting: “Seems like he is turning into the guy we hoped Rees-Zammit would be.”
Earlier this week on Wednesday, Rees-Zammit missed practice with a back injury. But his setback wasn’t serious and the Chiefs social team highlighted the 23-year-old amid his battle to make Kansas City’s 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Rees-Zammit has been more heavily involved in kickoff routines, taking part in the play throughout practice with his role set to grow throughout preseason. While he may be competing with Steele and other names to make it to the roster as the Chiefs hunt a third successive Super Bowl title, Rees-Zammit signed a three-year deal with the AFC West franchise.
The length of Rees-Zammit’s contract surprised some. But the deal ultimately highlights the faith head coach Andy Reid and the organization has in the former rugby star.
“Listen, it was exciting for him to have a chance to get in there and play,” Reid said after Rees-Zammit’s debut versus the Jaguars. “It’s faster than what he has seen in practice, so from an experience standpoint it was great for him. That was a positive and then just build on it.”
The Chiefs will complete their preseason schedule against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, August 22 before Reid confirms his roster decision.
Local Kansas City, MO
Most Popular
Comments / 0