Clyde Edwards-Helaire injury update: Chiefs running back has high ankle sprain

The Chiefs rookie back could return in time for the postseason from a high ankle sprain.

The Kansas City Chiefs received some fortunate news on Monday with word that the injury suffered by running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire isn’t as serious as some initially feared. In fact, it’s very possible that Edwards-Helaire could return in time for the postseason.

Per ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, Edwards-Helaire is dealing with a high ankle sprain and will likely miss the rest of the regular season, which at this point consists of only two more games for the Chiefs—both home games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Chargers.

At first, Edwards-Helaire left the game after a gruesome play that raised fears about the rookie’s ability to play anytime soon. However, the Chiefs stated he was doubtful to return instead of being ruled out completely, which was the first good sign. Following the game, head coach Andy Reid stated that x-rays to Edwards-Helaire’s injury were negative, which ruled out any sort of fracture. Now we have word that he has a high ankle sprain.

Edwards-Helaire is helped along by the Chiefs being in pole position for the only bye week of the postseason in the AFC. The Chiefs are a game up over the Pittsburgh Steelers and only need to beat the Falcons or Chargers to seal the top seed for this postseason run. That would give Edwards-Helaire an additional seven days of rest without the team missing him in action.

For the Chiefs, it also helps to have added former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell at midseason for a moment just like this. The Chiefs will now lean on Bell along with Darrel Williams for the next couple games while the team waits to see how Edwards-Helaire is responding in rehab.

Edwards-Helaire has 181 carries for 803 rushing yards and 4 rushing scores in 2020.