The Chiefs’ cupboard at fullback was bare when they signed free agent Patrick DiMarco on Aug. 2.

DiMarco, 6-1, 234, played collegiately at South Carolina and went to camp with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent last year but suffered a broken foot on the third day of training camp which ended his season.

As the only healthy fullback on the roster, DiMarco, 6-1, 234, should get plenty of playing time in Friday night’s preseason game against the Cardinals unless the Chiefs decide to use tight ends in lead-blocking roles in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

DiMarco is the nephew of PGA Tour golfer Chris DiMarco.

Q: Is fullback a lost art in the NFL?

A: “It’s coming back. You need a guy to sit back there and take on some big blocks and spring the running backs for some big runs. It’s definitely a position that needs to be there. It’s not utilized as much as it was back in the day, but it’s coming back.”

Q: Can you ask for a better opportunity than this?

A: “Awesome opportunity. My agent called me late one night and said, ‘Come fly to Kansas City, you’ve got a workout.’ I came out here, performed well, and they signed me. “

Q: What was it like playing for the ol’ ball coach, Steve Spurrier at South Carolina?

A: “He’s an offensive mastermind. He’s a great offensive coach, a great guy, and I learned a lot there. It definitely helps being in a system like his, coming out here and having to pick up another system that’s kind of similar. It definitely was beneficial.”

Q: Is there a fullback that you emulate?

A: “Growing up, I watched a lot of (Washington’s) Chris Cooley. He did a little more H-back stuff. Coming out of the backfield, I have some pretty good hands. I can catch the ball pretty good, but I don’t mind sticking my nose in there and hitting somebody. You do the dirty stuff sometimes and you get rewarded (with a touch of the ball) every once in a while.”

Q: What’s your golf handicap?

A: “Not great, maybe a 12. I don’t play very often. I can hit the ball long way but … ”