Edwards-Helaire is expected to have an expanded profile out of the Kansas City backfield Sunday against Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) ruled out for the contest, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.
Spin: Per Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com, head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Edwards-Helaire is the next man up out of Kansas City’s backfield, though Jerick McKinnon — who has missed the past two games with a groin injury — will also be available and should serve as Kansas City’s top passing-down back. Additionally, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com relays that Deneric Prince is a candidate to be elevated from the team’s practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. Edwards-Helaire has logged more than seven touches in a game just once among his 11 appearances this season, which came back in Week 3 when he carried 15 times for 55 yards and a touchdown to go with one catch for two yards in a 41-10 win over Chicago.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: Edwards-Helaire has not panned out since being the first running back drafted in 2020. The LSU product has seen his carries and targets decrease each season and he has missed 17 regular-season games due to injury, including exactly seven in both 2021 and 2022. Edwards-Helaire’s overall efficiency has been acceptable (his 2.42 YAC was actually sixth-best at RB last season), but he clearly fell behind Jerick McKinnon and presumed 2023 lead back Isiah Pacheco last season, and his days as lead back in Kansas City appear to be over. “CEH” is only 24 years old and the Chiefs’ offense is obviously very good, so he remains worthy of bench consideration in 12-plus team leagues.
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