The Kansas City Chiefs have waived running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round draft pick who struggled to regain his footing on the team. Edwards-Helaire hinted at the move in a message posted to X, thanking the organization for the opportunity.
Edwards-Helaire, 26, had fallen down the depth chart behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, and was set to be the fifth running back on the roster. The Chiefs will need the roster spot soon, with wide receiver Hollywood Brown expected to return from injured reserve in time for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.
The release comes after Edwards-Helaire struggled to produce numbers since his 2020 debut. He led the team in rushing that season with 803 yards but saw his production decline each year thereafter. The running back has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from a college incident.
Edwards-Helaire occasionally missed practice during his time with the Chiefs due to his condition, which required him to be placed on the non-football illness list at the start of this season. In August, he described experiencing severe dehydration and mental fog, highlighting the challenges he faces in managing his PTSD.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43009808/chiefs-waive-ex-first-round-pick-clyde-edwards-helaire