Chiefs release significant injury update on Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t have to game plan for one of the Chiefs biggest stars on offense when Sunday rolls around.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been ruled out for the AFC Wildcard game, Kansas City head coach Andy Reid announced on Friday.

Following a two-game absence to close the regular season, the second-year back looked to be on the right track to suit up this weekend after he practiced Wednesday in a limited capacity, but his odds of playing dipped when he regressed to no practice participation Thursday.

The former LSU star missed five other games in the regular season and finished the year with 119 carries for 517 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will still have to deal with the talented backup tailbacks Kansas City has to offer.

Running back Darrell Williams has been limited in practice by a toe injury this week, but Reid said he expects Williams will be available Sunday. Derrick Gore and Jerick McKinnon will also be on hand at running back for Kansas City

The Steelers released their Thursday injury report ahead of the highly anticipated Wildcard matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the team is healthier overall than it has been all season, the most notable name on Thursday’s report is running back Najee Harris, who continued to be sidelined with an elbow injury and didn’t practice for the second straight day.

When asked if he had an update on his status following practice, Coach Mike Tomlin said the following:

“I don’t. We’re scheduled to work him tomorrow,” said Tomlin. “I think that’s going to be telling for us.”

Harris and the Pittsburgh Steelers rushing attack will be key if they are going to pull off the upset on the road.

Guard Trai Turner also didn’t practice on Thursday, added to the injury report with a knee.

In addition, cornerback Arthur Maulet (concussion), who was limited in practice on Wednesday, was a full participant on Thursday.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) was a full participant on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday, while tackle Dan Moore Jr. (ankle) was a full participant for the second straight day.

Pittsburgh Steelers update status of two key receivers

Earlier on Thursday, the Steelers announced two key updates at the wide receiver position as the team prepares to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wildcard round of the NFL playoffs.

JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to practice on Thursday after being placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Oct. 16 with a shoulder injury.

Smith-Schuster still remains on the Reserve/Injured List and the team has a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster, or he remains on the Reserve/Injured List.

Smith-Schuster suffered the shoulder injury in the second quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos and underwent surgery for it.

Smith-Schuster had 15 receptions for 129 yards, an 8.6-yard average, and no receiving touchdowns in five games prior to the injury. He had three carries for nine yards and one rushing touchdown.

The team also activated receiver James Washington from the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Washington was placed on the list on Jan. 8 and didn’t play in the regular season finale against the Ravens.