Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an injury to his left leg during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game in New Orleans. He was helped to the locker room by two trainers and was unable to put any weight on his left leg. The Chiefs said he was doubtful to return, listing it as a leg/hip injury, and the rookie didn't make it back into the game.
The injury to Edwards-Helaire came on a red-zone carry. As Edwards-Helaire churned his legs for extra yardage, his legs wound up in a split-esque formation, and a Saints defender landed on Edwards-Helaire's left leg while it was planted. It pressed the leg toward the turf at an unnatural angle.
That is REALLY unfortunate. I really like Clyde Edwards-Helaire. pic.twitter.com/4rnR2VIOMv
— WhiskeyRanger (@WhiskeyRanger29) December 21, 2020
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Update 12/21: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Edwards-Helaire has an injury to his hip and ankle which will keep him out of the remainder of the regular season but could heal in time to return for the playoffs.
Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick in April out of LSU, has started at running back for the Chiefs all season after Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 campaign. Kansas City has given Edwards-Helaire double-digit touches in 10 of the 13 games he's played in.
Before departing Week 15 against the Saints, Edwards-Helaire had 14 carries for 79 yards along with one catch for four yards.
The Chiefs' backup running back is Le'Veon Bell, who was picked up midseason after the Jets cut him. Bell and Darrel Williams could form a backfield partnership behind Patrick Mahomes if Edwards-Helaire misses extended time.