Report: Early expectation is Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be back by playoffs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is hurt but could be back for the playoffs, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested in a new report on Monday morning.

Rapoport provided an update on his earlier tweet on Monday afternoon, presumably after the running back’s MRI.

Edwards-Helaire left the Chiefs’ game with the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter due to an ugly injury. The running back was helped off the field while he did not appear to put any weight on his left leg. The Chiefs called it a leg and hip injury.

“Clyde got twisted up,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said after the game. “He had the splits. The X-rays were negative, but we will evaluate him as we go.”

Reid added that both of Edwards-Helaire’s legs were sore after the game. Le’Veon Bell, who replaced the rookie, also spoke to the media.

“When I seen the injury with Clyde, obviously, I was praying for the best,” said Bell. “It was an ugly way to get tackled... After the game, I came and talked to him. He’s in good spirits... I just kind of told him, ‘Good game. I’m glad you had the opportunity to play back at home.’ He was happy, still excited, in good spirits, so I think him getting worked back in and seeing where he goes with his injury, that’s up to him and the coaches, and we’ll see where we go from there.”

Edwards-Helaire (79) and Bell (62) combined for 141 rushing yards on the night. The Chiefs host the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium before turning their attention to the postseason.