Clyde Edwards-Helaire carried off the field following injury

Kansas City Chiefs starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire left Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with an apparent leg injury after being folded up by several defenders on a play. Backup running back Jerick McKinnon entered the game before a pick six ended the drive.

Edwards-Helaire later limped to the locker room with assistance from a team trainer. NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya said during the broadcast that Edwards-Helaire is out for the remainder of the game and is currently undergoing x-ray tests to diagnose the injury.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire injury #KCvsBUF pic.twitter.com/lhpGm5ogYU

— Ted Buddy 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) October 11, 2021

The former LSU star has just seven carries for 13 yards so far. He also added one catch for 11 yards. Over the first five games of the season, Edwards-Helaire has 304 yards and two fumbles, catching eight passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chiefs currently trail 31-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter following the pick six from Patrick Mahomes.

Former NFL doctor weighs in

David J. Chao, a former NFL head team doctor with more than 17 years of experience, runs profootballdoc.com, which evaluates injuries based on past experience and video evidence, along with notable reports from around the league. During Sunday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, he provided his thoughts on the Clyde Edwards-Helaire head injury.

After having his leg rolled up underneath his body, Edwards-Helaire was carried off the field by a pair of teammates before heading to the locker room for tests.

“[Clyde Edwards-Helaire] injured when left leg trapped and bent back,” Chao tweeted during the game. “Then carried off by teammates in an unique way. Hoping not as serious as this looks.”

He followed up his initial report with a more hopeful assessment. The ability to walk provided many positive signs for the doctor.

“Limps to locker room with apparent left knee sprain,” tweeted Chao. “Likely MCL sprain and tough to return tonight.”

The injury news will certainly hurt the Chiefs chances at a Sunday night comeback, but his diagnosis provides a better alternative to the early speculation. Despite his slow start this season, Edwards-Helaire is a big part of the offense and will be vital to another playoff run toward the Super Bowl.

Without last year’s depth at the position, a speedy recovery could prove important for the Chiefs to maintain a balanced attack. The continued struggles early in the season leave enough questions without injuries.