Chiefs open practice window for a former first-round draft pick to reinforce injury-weakened position

The Kansas City Chiefs have opened the 21-day practice window for former first-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Edwards-Helaire began the 2024 NFL season on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list due to struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . No. 25 has remained in Kansas City and around the team while receiving treatment for his struggles. The return to action suggests that he's in a better spot now and should be able to return to regular football duties without too many illness-related absences.

The former LSU star signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas City this offseason after the team decided against picking up his fifth-year option. He has appeared in 48 career games with 32 career starts for the Chiefs, recording 441 carries for 1,845 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 89 passes for 765 yards and seven touchdowns. He has four career 100-yard rushing games across the regular season and postseason.

Edwards-Helaire's return comes when there is quite a bit of uncertainty at the running back position in Kansas City. The team's current starting running back, Isiah Pacheco, is on injured reserve with a fibula injury that could keep him out anywhere from six weeks to the entire season. The presumed starter, UDFA FB/RB Carson Steele has struggled to hold onto the football in his opportunities this season .

To make matters worse, Kareem Hunt, who returned to the team just last week also may be dealing with an ailment after his re-debut in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The team will release their first injury report for Week 5 vs. the New Orleans Saints tomorrow afternoon. Look for more details on the situation surrounding Hunt to be revealed then.

Edwards-Helaire could provide a steadying, if unelectric presence in an injury-depleted backfield for Kansas City. The Chiefs have 21 days to see him practice before they need to make a decision. However, expect the Louisiana native to have a strong chance to be activated to the 53-man roster and play against New Orleans in Week 5. The team will not need to make a corresponding roster move as they currently have just 52 players on the active roster.

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