Chiefs injury report: Jerick McKinnon returns to practice

The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed running back Jerick McKinnon back to practice for the first time all week as the team prepares to head to Cincinnati.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been dealing with multiple injuries to players in the offensive backfield in recent weeks, but it looks as if one member, Jerick McKinnon, might be ready to go for the team’s upcoming visit in Week 13 to play the Cincinnati Bengals.

McKinnon has sat out of practice for most of the week with a hamstring injury that’s plagued him for several days now. However, McKinnon was able to bounce back and take some important reps a week ago against the L.A. Rams in Week 12 and he looks to be on track to face the Bengals as well.

The Chiefs are also dealing with an ankle injury to Clyde Edwards-Helaire that forced him onto the team’s injured reserve list. Fortunately, they also have enough talent on the roster to withstand the injuries and still feature a successful run game with Isiah Pacheco leading the way. Also on the roster and/or practice squad are familiar veterans like Ronald Jones and the newly-signed Melvin Gordon.

McKinnon has been a nice tandem partner with Pacheco as a third-down back for the Chiefs offense. His hands are perfectly suited for the role, but he’s also able to move the chains as a rusher as well when called upon, although that’s a rare responsibility.

McKinnon was a postseason hero for the Chiefs last winter and general manager Brett Veach decided to bring him back for another Super Bowl run on a one-year contract in free agency.

So far this season, McKinnon has 387 yards from scrimmage, including 29 catches for 238 yards receiving and 39 carries for 149 yards rushing.