The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their preseason campaign with a 34-21 defeat to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. While the result didn't go in favor of the Chiefs, the game provided a valuable opportunity for players vying for a spot on the final roster to make their case.

Head Coach Andy Reid acknowledged the positive moments during the game, stating, "We had some good snaps in there." Reid highlighted the significance of giving all the players fighting for roster spots a chance to showcase their skills and abilities. General Manager Brett Veach and his team will now evaluate the performances over the next few days to determine the final roster.

With 32 players not taking the field, it allowed those battling for a spot to have an extended opportunity to shine. One player who seized the moment was rookie tailback Carson Steele. The undrafted free agent from UCLA rushed for an impressive 50 yards and a touchdown on just four carries. His standout moment came with a dazzling 31-yard run, breaking tackles and showing his explosive potential. Although ruled just short of the goal line, Steele made sure to punch in a 1-yard score on the next play.

Steele's strong preseason performance solidified his case to make the regular-season roster. Coach Reid expressed praise for the rookie, stating, "He looked good tonight, [and he's] a physical kid. It didn't really look like they wanted to tackle him. That's a plus if you're a running back."

Despite Steele's touchdown narrowing the gap, the Bears responded with a barrage of 24 unanswered points to secure the victory. However, the Chiefs continued to fight, with quarterback Ian Book finding wide receiver Cornell Powell for a 7-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Book then connected with rookie tight end Baylor Cupp for a 10-yard touchdown, following a remarkable 49-yard reception by wide receiver Montrell Washington.

On the defensive side, safety Tyree Gillespie forced a fumble, which rookie cornerback Kamal Hadden scooped up and returned deep into Bears' territory. The Chiefs showcased their defensive prowess once again by recovering a muffed punt in the second quarter.

Injury-wise, offensive lineman Wanya Morris left the game early with a knee injury. However, Coach Reid confirmed that the injury is not serious, providing relief for the Chiefs.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs' front office now faces the task of trimming the roster from 91 players down to the final 53 by Tuesday. The focus shifts to the regular-season opener, set to take place on September 5.

As the preseason comes to a close, the Chiefs must make tough decisions in shaping their roster for the upcoming campaign. The game against the Bears allowed young and undrafted players like Carson Steele to make a compelling case for their spot on the team. Only time will tell who will make the cut and contribute to the Chiefs' success in the 2024 season.