How to handle Clyde Edwards-Helaire injury in the 2021 NFL Playoffs

Game status: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is ACTIVE for the AFC title game.

Game day update: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to be able to play on Sunday, but Le’Veon Bell is expected to be sidelined, per Ian Rapoport.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn’t appeared in a game in over a month due to a combination of ankle and hip issues, but he could make his return this weekend in the AFC Championship Game. However, his availability only complicates the outlook for the Chiefs’ backfield.

Fantasy impact: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip)

A month-long layoff would affect almost any player, but it could prove even more impactful for a rookie. Edwards-Helaire tried practicing the Wednesday of the divisional round but ended up missing the rest of the week and sitting out on game day. He did better this time around but only practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday through Friday. While Edwards-Helaire has a better chance of playing in the conference title game, he will probably not see a full workload against the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs officially list him as questionable.

Further complicating the matter, Le’Veon Bell also enters the weekend as questionable to play. A knee injury kept Bell from practice Thursday and Friday and could keep him sidelined against the Bills. Bell hasn’t seen double-digit touches since Dec. 20, suggesting he probably will not have a huge role either way. Still, Bell landing on the inactive list would boost Edward-Helaire’s outlook as he would only need to contend with Darrel Williams for touches.