Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde “The Glyde onto the IR” Edwards-Helaire, was injured in the third quarter of the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. First off, props to our Director of Operations @DynastyDiagnos1 for coming up with that wordplay. Second, the injury was better than initially expected. Instead of it being a dreaded complete tear of one of the knee ligaments, it is being labeled an MCL sprain. The typical recovery time of this depends on what grade of sprain it is, but thankfully the Chiefs are leading us to believe that it is just a Grade 1 MCL Sprain which has a recovery time of 1-to-3 weeks. With that news, he was placed on the IR for at least the next three weeks, which means he will miss games against Washington, the Titans, and the Giants at the very least.
What does this mean for fantasy?
Considering he was coming off back-to-back weeks of 100+ rushing yards, we all had high hopes that Andy Reid had finally figured out how to get CEH involved in this high-powered offense. Making him worthy of the high regards @DFF_JoeMem had given CEH coming out of the draft last year and this quote from @ChrisMiles1017 heading into this season, “He is the main RB in the league’s most consistent offense. He should see a lot of TD opportunities this season.”
For redraft purposes, I am using Nick Chubb and his injury from 2020 as a frame of reference. He ended up missing five weeks (four games plus a bye week) and came back strong to finish out the season as a top-10 running back for the season. I am not expecting a top-10 finish when CEH comes back but I am expecting him to come back as a high-end RB2. The issue is when does he come back? Considering Nick Chubb took five weeks to make a full comeback, that’s what we should expect.
BUT. This is where it gets weird. The Chiefs have their bye-week in six weeks, so we could see the Chiefs keep him out until Week 13, allowing him a full recovery and to be ready for the playoff push. This may sound wild but when they have the Cowboys as their opponent leading up to their bye week, a team that has been tearing it up on the season versus the run, it makes sense. Stash him on your IR list no matter your position and then snag whoever you can off your free agent lists.
With regards to dynasty, the same issues are still here. However, this is an opportunity for you to make some trade offers. It all depends on if you are competing for a title or are 0-5 and looking to next year. Quick side note, just because you are in last place now, doesn’t mean you will end there. I started the season 2-6 last year then won my league. Like Ludacris says in Southern Hospitality, “…throw them ‘bows.” and never give up. But if you don’t want to mount up like Warren G and you’re going to wave the white flag on the season, I would be looking for at least a draft pick plus a player of Michael Carter’s caliber, a middling RB3 who has potential. If you are competing for a title or not ready to wave the flag, I’ll be Craig Mack and be that flava in ya’ ear. Stash him, hit those free agent lists, and be ready to spend your FAAB.
Great Heady, so who the hell do I target?
First of all, don’t waste your FAAB on Jerick McKinnon as to me, he is a JAG (just another guy) and will only be a roster blocker and you need someone on your roster who has potential. Besides the obvious choice of Darrel Williams, here are five running backs (three obvious and two dark horses) I would be looking to add via trade or free agency:
- Michael Carter. He’s put up RB2 numbers over the last two weeks and is seeing double-digit rush attempts plus targets out of the backfield. He is giving me vibes that this backfield will be his by the end of the year and has favorable match-ups in Week 15 through Week 17.
- James Conner. Two things make me want to add the oft-maligned running back from Arizona. One, he is on a high-powered offense that is putting up points like I did on NCAA 14; I’ll beat anyone with Clemson and Sammy Watkins. Second, Arizona realized that a healthy Kyler Murray is key to their success so they have turned to him as their goal-line back. While he won’t always get the yards you desire, you can expect touchdowns.
- Jamaal Williams. He is seeing double-digit rush attempts on average and is getting looks in the passing game. While he may not hit paydirt every week, his floor is slowly building as he has become the primary rushing back for the Lions, the most competitive winless team in the NFL over the past couple of weeks.
- Marlon Mack. There is a reason why we have seen him on the field at a 22.5% snap count rate and seeing his rush attempts go from 5-to-20 over the last two weeks for the Colts. Trade bait. I am expecting him to be traded before the deadline to a team in need of running back help. Seattle and Kansas City come to mind immediately, and rumors already have Kansas City putting feelers out there for him.
- Derrick Gore is my last and ultimate dark horse to add to your roster and you better hurry to add him as our own @WillieBeamanDFF just let that cat out of the bag with him as his dynasty sleeper of the week. He was added to the 53-man roster for the Chiefs from their practice squad and while this may seem insane, it makes sense. Andy Reid has no favorite in the backfield right now and what better way to see if he has this year’s James Robinson sitting on his roster than to give him run against a porous Washington defense? He showed great football smarts and moves in pre-season games, so it makes sense that we will see Derrick making his debut this week against Washington.
As always my Heady Mafia, thanks for taking the time to read this article. If you have more questions, comments, or just want to express your love, reach out to me on Twitter. But most importantly come back to the DFF for all of your fantasy football needs. Until next time!
