KC Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire misses 2nd straight practice ahead of Bengals game
The Chiefs might have to implement a Plan B at running back for Sunday’s penultimate regular-season game at the Cincinnati Bengals.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday, leaving his availability uncertain for Week 17.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy believes the backfield is in good hands even if Edwards-Helaire doesn’t play.
“Our comfort level is the next man is always available and ready,” Bieniemy said Thursday. “Obviously, our training room people are going to do whatever they can to make sure that he’s ready to go if given that opportunity.
“But when it’s all said and done here, we all know the motto here: next man is up.”
Edwards-Helaire, who leads the team in rushing with 517 yards, previously missed five games (Weeks 6-10) on injured reserve. He was nursing an MCL sprain and returned in Week 11.
The Chiefs relied on Darrel Williams in the featured-back role during Edwards-Helaire’s absence, and Derrick Gore was utilized alongside fullback Michael Burton. Some added backfield depth could be forthcoming in Jerick McKinnon, who was designated to return from injured reserve and has practiced for the past two days.
“These guys have done a tremendous job all year long with just stepping up when presented with the opportunity to do so,” Bieniemy said.
Williams ranks second among the Chiefs’ running backs with 453 yards and would be in line to shoulder the bulk of Sunday’s workload in the event of Edwards-Helaire’s absence.
The Chiefs said starting left guard Joe Thuney didn’t practice Thursday because of an illness unrelated to COVID-19. Thuney’s situation will be closely monitored Friday.
Cornerback Mike Hughes returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session for personal reasons and was a full participant.
The Chiefs also designated safety Tyrann Mathieu (quad), linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (hip), defensive tackle Jarran Reed (foot), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (shoulder) and linebacker Ben Niemann (ankle) as full participants for the second straight day.
For the Bengals, cornerback Jalen Davis (ankle) and defensive end Cam Sample (hamstring) did not practice Thursday.
Quarterback Joe Burrow (right finger), defensive end Khalid Kareem (concussion) and linebacker Logan Wilson (shoulder) practiced fully.
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 2:53 PM with the headline "KC Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire misses 2nd straight practice ahead of Bengals game."
