KC Chiefs: Three offensive players whose jobs are at risk

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Fans either love him or hate him, but running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be in for another rough year.

The former first-round pick has not lived up to expectations, especially after a solid rookie year. His production and touches fell across the board from 2020 to 2021, and he was easily replaceable by aging veterans. Edwards-Helaire is a polarizing player amongst fans at a position with high turnover. 2022, his third year, could be make-or-break for the former LSU Tiger.

The Chiefs added Ronald Jones and Pacheco to the running back room while also retaining Derrick Gore. All three have distinct roles in the Chiefs offense, while Edwards-Helaire’s remains to be seen. He can be the feature back, evident by his rookie year. Plus, his 2021 postseason saw him average more than seven yards per carry. But, he split games with more backs in 2021. Could he be limited to that again in 2022?

Also, will Edwards-Helaire’s body curse his 2022 campaign? Injuries have plagued Edwards-Helaire, keeping him out of seven games in 2021. The injury bug appeared in his rookie campaign and has not abated.

Edwards-Helaire is not expected to start in ’22 because of his on-field performance, but rather his incumbent status. Jones, Gore, or even Pacheco could take several snaps, carries, or targets away for numerous reasons.