KC Chiefs backfield is hurting heading into match up vs. Steelers

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking relatively healthy on both sides of the ball at this point of the season heading into their opening-round matchup against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. However, if there’s a position that could give them problems, it would be at running back where a couple of players are currently ailing.

Running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams were both listed on the Chiefs injury report to open their practice week on Wednesday. Both players were limited in their ability to join their teammates for a full practice session, which means it will be a situation to watch if neither can turn the corner and be a full participant at some point.

Edwards-Helaire is hoping to return to the field for the first time since Week 16 when he left the Chiefs’ last game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a collarbone/shoulder injury after coming down hard on a tackle. Edwards-Helaire received good news for any long-term injury on post-game tests, but he’s gone on to miss the next two games to close out the regular season.

The Kansas City Chiefs are ailing in the backfield as they prepare for the Steelers.

As for Williams, he left midway through the team’s most recent win over the Denver Broncos with a toe injury that left him designated as questionable to return. Head coach Andy Reid hasn’t sounded too concerned about Williams’ injury even into this week, but it’s still a situation to watch with Edwards-Helaire also injured.

Without both players, the Chiefs are very thin in the backfield despite the solid showings in limited duty from rookie Derrick Gore and veteran Jerick McKinnon. While the Chiefs might be able to get by with role players, Reid and company would certainly feel much better with a healthy roster.