Former Chiefs Rookie RB Joins Panthers Practice Squad
Running back Emani Bailey, a former Kansas City Chiefs rookie, has found a new opportunity with the Carolina Panthers late in the 2024 NFL season. On Tuesday, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reported that Bailey was signed to the Panthers’ practice squad.
Bailey, an undrafted free agent out of TCU, joined the Chiefs after the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent training camp and the preseason with Kansas City but didn’t make the team’s 53-man roster. Instead, the Chiefs retained fellow undrafted free agent Carson Steele, who impressed during the preseason. Bailey managed 29 rushing yards on 10 carries across three preseason games but was cut and subsequently added to the Chiefs’ practice squad.
On November 6, the Chiefs released Bailey from their practice squad, leaving the running back without a team. Now, he has a fresh chance to showcase his abilities with the Panthers, who signed him to their practice squad this week.
Bailey enters a Carolina backfield headlined by Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks, who form a strong one-two punch. Behind them, RB3 Raheem Blackshear primarily contributes on special teams, handling punt and kick return duties. Bailey’s addition gives the Panthers another option to evaluate as they look for depth and potential contributors.
Despite not appearing in any regular-season games with the Chiefs, Bailey demonstrated significant potential during his collegiate career. In his final season at TCU in 2023, Bailey amassed 1,393 scrimmage yards and scored nine total touchdowns, performances that drew the Chiefs’ interest after the draft.
Now with the Panthers, the 5-foot-7 running back has a chance to make an impression and carve out a role, even if initially limited to the practice squad. His talent and versatility could provide valuable depth as Carolina assesses its roster late in the season.
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