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The Kansas City Chiefs agree to re-sign running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to a one-year deal, according to a report from ESPN.
Edwards-Helaire’s return adds depth to the Chiefs’ running back roster, providing valuable support behind starter Isiah Pacheco. The decision to re-sign Edwards-Helaire coincided with the team’s hosting of free agent running back J.K. Dobbins for a visit.
Injury Challenges: Impact on Performance
Edwards-Helaire, drafted by the Chiefs in the first round in 2020, hasn’t quite met the expectations set for him. In 2023, he managed to complete a full season after facing injuries in his first three seasons. However, he served as a backup to Pacheco, who claimed the starting position in the 2022 season.
During the last season, Edwards-Helaire contributed 223 yards to the Chiefs’ victory in the NFL Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers in overtime.
He led the Chiefs in rushing with 803 yards in his rookie year. Unfortunately, injuries to his ankle and hip towards the end of the season left him less than fully fit for the playoffs and the Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Edwards-Helaire, 24, missed six games in 2021 due to a sprained MCL, resulting in a decline in production, finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 517 yards.
In 2022, a high-ankle sprain sidelined him for seven games. Before his injury, he lost his starting position to Pacheco, who became the primary running back as the Chiefs secured victory in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles. Edwards-Helaire concluded that season with 302 rushing yards.
Performance Highlights
Throughout his four career seasons, Edwards-Helaire has maintained an average of 4.2 yards per carry on 441 attempts, accumulating 1,845 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 89 passes for 765 yards and seven touchdowns.
