The Kansas City Chiefs will miss a key player as they prepare to kick off their 2024 season. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been placed on the Non-Football Illness (NFI) list, meaning he will not be available for the team’s season opener or the first few games of the season. This development has raised questions about how the team will adjust and who will step up in Edwards-Helaire’s absence. The Chiefs’ running back situation took a hit when it was announced that Clyde Edwards-Helaire would start the season on the NFI list. This means he will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season.
Chiefs Challenges for Edwards-Helaire
One could say that Edwards-Helaire has been struggling a lot lately. He missed most of training camp and sat out two preseason games, participating in a handful of snaps in the one game he was involved in. These were not absences due to physical health but related to mental health. Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD, affecting his ability to take part in all activities with the team.
Despite these setbacks, Edwards-Helaire’s teammates and coaches have been supportive. Initially, the Kansas City Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, had expected Edwards-Helaire to be available for the team’s preparation, but his lingering problems made it hard for him to be around. The team has tried to be there for him during hard times, with teammates such as Travis Kelce and Kadarius Toney being very observant concerning his well-being.
Without Edwards-Helaire, the Kansas City Chiefs will lean hard into the remaining running backs. Third-year player Isiah Pacheco will be relied upon harder in the run game. Samaje Perine added that it becomes an integral part of the offensive game plan this year alone. The absence of Edwards-Helaire also opens the door for undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who could see some snaps just in case the team needs another body.
Moving Forward
Edwards-Helaire will be allowed to return to practice after the initial four-game period. At that point, the Chiefs will re-evaluate his condition and decide whether to take him off the NFI list. It will be a very important period for Edwards-Helaire to work through his issues and try to get back into the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff, with Matt Nagy as the offensive coordinator, will readjust the game plan in the absence of Edwards-Helaire. Because of the lack of depth at running back, this could well involve more passing or creative plays. How that works remains to be seen, and it could very well determine the game’s outcome.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the NFI list is a severe blow to the Kansas City Chiefs as they head into the 2024 season. However, options lie ahead for the Chiefs to overcome this obstacle. With Isiah Pacheco and Samaje Perine looking ready to take over from the incumbent starter, plus potential contributions from rookies, the Chiefs must adjust to keep the focus going in camp. While Edwards-Helaire went through his rehabilitation process, fans and teammates alike are sure to hope for his return to even further success.
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