Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire on NFI List, Out for Minimum Four Games

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been placed on the non-football illness list, according to a report by ESPN’s Field Yates.

This designation means that Edwards-Helaire will be sidelined for the team’s first four games of the season before he becomes eligible to return to the lineup.

Recently, Edwards-Helaire opened up about his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His condition has impacted his participation during training camp, leading to his absence from practice as the Chiefs prepared for their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

In an interview, Edwards-Helaire specifically pinpointed Dec. 22, 2018, as the date when his PTSD began. While he chose not to delve into the specifics of the incident, he mentioned that he and a friend found themselves in a “self-defense situation.” At that time, Edwards-Helaire was playing college football at LSU.

According to reports from Baton Rouge police, this incident involved two LSU football players attempting to sell an electronic device. During the encounter, an 18-year-old man tried to rob them, resulting in one of the players fatally shooting the man. Although the police did not publicly disclose the players’ identities, reports from the Associated Press indicated that Edwards-Helaire was one of the individuals involved.

Edwards-Helaire was selected by the Chiefs as a first-round draft pick in 2020 and served as their starting running back for his first two seasons. However, his position changed in 2022 when he lost the starting job to rookie Isiah Pacheco, and since then, he has been contributing as a reserve player.

As the Chiefs approach their season opener, the team currently has two active running backs beside Pacheco. One of them is Samaje Perine, a veteran player who recently joined the Chiefs after being released by the Denver Broncos. The other is Carson Steele, a rookie running back who secured his spot on the roster following an impressive performance during training camp and the preseason.

With Edwards-Helaire’s absence, the Chiefs will be adjusting their strategy and depth chart as they head into the critical early part of the season, looking to maintain their status as serious contenders.

The team’s coaching staff will have to make strategic decisions regarding their running game without Edwards-Helaire’s contributions. As they prepare for their matchup against the Ravens, they will need to rely heavily on Pacheco, Perine, and Steele to fill the gap left by Edwards-Helaire.

Overall, Edwards-Helaire’s well-being remains the primary concern, and the Chiefs organization is undoubtedly supportive as he addresses his health challenges. The journey through recovery and dealing with mental health issues is essential, not just for players, but for athletes in all sports.

As the NFL season unfolds, the focus will be on how the Chiefs adapt to changes in their lineup and how they perform without one of their key players. The spotlight will also remain on Edwards-Helaire as he works through his situation and strives for a successful return.