The cloud of confusion around Clyde Edwards-Helaire's availability

Update: As it turns out, Edwards-Helaire will play for the Chiefs despite a false report from Ian Rapoport.

The Kansas City Chiefs were already staring at a frustrating situation in the offensive backfield down the stretch with a recent spate of injuries at the position. Coming into Week 16, it turns out that the Chiefs might be down yet another man unexpectedly: Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs won't have Edwards-Helaire as they prepare to host the visiting Las Vegas Raiders for Week 16 for a Christmas Day matchup. When discussing a series of injuries affecting the three games on the schedule for Monday, Rapoport broke the news:

Rapoport notes that Edwards-Helaire will miss the game due to "personal reasons."

The good news for the Chiefs is that lead back Isiah Pacheco is back after missing the last couple of games due to a shoulder injury. Pacheco had surgery to clean up his shoulder—the second procedure this calendar year—and missed a couple of games, and Edwards-Helaire came through for the Chiefs with a big performance in Week 15 in his absence.

The Chiefs are already missing running back Jerick McKinnon with a groin injury heading into the game. McKinnon was just placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the regular season due to the ongoing nature of the injury that has kept him out of previous games this season. McKinnon has had a tough time staying healthy, which opened the door for Edwards-Helaire to get more reps in his absence.

Behind Pacheco, it's possible that La'Mical Perine will find some unexpected reps with McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire out. Then again, it's also possible that Rapoport was wrong. Look who showed up before the game after all:

Does this mean Edwards-Helaire is still out? Did Rapoport get faulty information? Or is CEH there for the sake of supporting his teammates and nothing more? We're not alone in feeling confused.

It will be interesting to see what the official word is from the franchise as the Chiefs and Raiders take the field at 12:00 p.m. C.T.