NFL Rumors: Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Miss Rest of Regular Season, Could Return for Playoffs

The Chiefs took a big hit on Sunday when rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a hip and ankle injury in their 32–29 win over the Saints. 

In the fourth quarter, Edwards-Helaire was bent backward while being tackled after a four-yard run. His left leg was caught under him as he hit the ground and landed awkwardly, and trainers helped him off the field while he could not put weight on his leg.

After the game, coach Andy Reid said the initial X-rays on Edwards-Helaire's hip and ankle came back negative but the team will learn more after he undergoes an MRI.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "the early expectation is [Edwards-Helaire] is done for the regular season with a chance to return for the playoffs."

ESPN Adam Schefter reports Edwards-Helaire is believed to have a high ankle sprain and a strained hip.

The Chiefs (13-1) have two weeks left in the regular season and are looking to snag the top seed in the AFC. By securing the conference's only playoff bye, Edwards-Helaire would have an extra week to recover before the postseason begins for Kansas City. In the meantime, Le'Veon Bell, who the Chiefs signed earlier this year, can continue to take on a larger workload in the rookie's absence.

Check out the latest news and rumors from around the NFL:

• Patriots star CB Stephon Gilmore suffered a partially torn quad on Sunday and will undergo surgery on Monday to repair it. His injury was initially thought to be a knee injury, but he suffered no structural damage to his knee. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• Jalen Hurts will remain the Eagles' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, coach Doug Pederson announced.
• Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger intends to return in 2021 for his 18th season and is enjoying playing this season despite its physical toll on him. He has one year left on his contract following the 2020 season. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• The Panthers have fired GM Marty Hurney, whose contract initially ran through June 2021. Carolina has gone 4–10 this season. (Team announcement)
• Saints DE Cam Jordan won't be suspended for throwing a punch at Chiefs OL Andrew Wylie, which got him ejected from Sunday's game. The incident will be reviewed for a possible fine. (Tom Pelissero, NFL Network)
• NFL teams are expected to make formal requests to Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald for their head coach openings. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
• Falcons star WR Julio Jones is still hoping to play again this season after receiving a recent platelet-rich plasma injection to his hamstring. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
• The Texans announced they have interviewed former Lions head coach Jim Caldwell for their head coach job. (Texans)