Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the upcoming season after being placed on the non-football illness (NFI) list. Edwards-Helaire, who has missed several practices while the Chiefs prepare to defend their title, recently disclosed that he is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although teams are not required to pay players on the NFI list, Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick reports that the Chiefs will continue to support Edwards-Helaire financially and assist with his treatment.
Derrick noted that the Chiefs intend to keep Edwards-Helaire, who is set to earn $1.125 million this season, on the payroll and have not ruled out the possibility of him returning later in the season.
The 25-year-old running back has struggled with mental health issues stemming from a 2018 incident at Louisiana State University, where he and a teammate were involved in a self-defense shooting during an attempted robbery. A state prosecutor determined their response was justified. Drafted by the Chiefs as the 32nd pick in 2020, Edwards-Helaire made an immediate impact but has struggled with injuries since his rookie year.
Despite this, he contributed to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories. Last season, he recorded 411 total yards and two touchdowns. According to Derrick, the Chiefs’ primary focus for Edwards-Helaire is on his well-being rather than football at this time.
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