Chiefs news: KC makes backfield moves before facing Packers

The Kansas City Chiefs have been dealing with a thin backfield for quite a bit of the regular season so far in 2023 with injuries at times to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon. It appears it will be that way again in Week 13 with word that McKinnon has been ruled out.

According to NFL reporter Adam Schefter, the Chiefs have already designated McKinnon as "out" for their next road game at Green Bay related to an ongoing groin injury that has kept him from practice and games in recent weeks.

In response to sitting McKinnon for another week, the Chiefs have decided to elevate Deneric Prince from the team's practice squad to serve as further depth and security out of the backfield. That will give the Chiefs a trio of Isiah Pacheco as the lead back, Edwards-Helaire as a change of pace and primary backup, and Prince as a rotational piece in case something else goes wrong.

McKinnon was re-signed to a one-year deal this past spring in the hopes of working once again in tandem with Pacheco to produce similar results to the Super Bowl run of a year ago. Injuries have kept him from playing lately, so it will be interesting to see how the team approaches his return knowing they likely want him in full health for the postseason.

Prince was an intriguing post-draft signing for the Chiefs as an undrafted running back out of Tulsa. Prince's athletic metrics are off the charts, but those measurables failed to often translate into the sort of production on the field that would have yielded a better draft status. Prince was also in need of some time in the weight room and with coaches to work on pass protection.

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