Kansas City’s backfield took a major blow on Sunday evening when rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered hip and ankle injuries during a run against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter. Edwards-Helaire couldn’t put any weight on his left leg after he sustained the injuries and team trainers had to help him off the field. He did not return to the field.
Edwards-Helaire left the game with 14 carries for 79 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per rushing attempt. He also had one catch for four yards.
After the game, Head Coach Andy Reid told reporters during his post-game presser that the rookie running back had his leg split when he got hurt, but X-rays came back negative. A better time frame on the runningback’s rehab should be available after a Monday MRI is conducted.
A source close to the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport that the expectation is CEH will likely miss the remainder of the regular season with a chance of returning in time for the postseason. Because of the awkwardness of how Edwards-Helaire landed with his leg caught underneath him as he was going down, this is certainly the best news to possibly come out at this time.
The remaining games on Kansas City’s schedule are both at home against the Atlanta Falcons (4-10) and L.A. Chargers (5-9). However, the Chiefs only have to win their Week 17 matchup in order to clinch home-field advantage. Earning the first-round bye is definitely the goal right now, especially since it would allow CEH an extra week to heal and have a better chance to return to the lineup.
CEH started 13 games for Kansas City and rushed for 803 yards on 181 rushing attempts, averaging 4.4 yards per rushing attempt, and has scored four rushing touchdowns. The former LSU product has also been a threat in the passing game with 36 catches for 297 yards and a score.
In the meantime, the Chiefs will look to veteran running backs Le’Veon Bell and Darrel Williams to carry the load on offense.
