Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs power up backfield with Clyde Edwards-Helaire

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson | Last updated Feb 6, 2023 2:51 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs made a significant move ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, placing wide receiver Mecole Hardman on injured reserve and activating running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The former first-round pick can give the Chiefs an extra dimension in the backfield. In Week 4 against the Eagles last season, Edwards-Helaire rushed for 102 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown on one of his two receptions.

TOUCHDOWN#Chiefs: 7#Eagles: 3

Mahomes pulls out the underhanded toss to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and KC takes the lead. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/ylxvEtAnmQ
— Mitchel Summers (@MitchSummersTV) October 3, 2021

In Kansas City's 42-30 win, Edwards-Helaire averaged 7.3 yards per rush.

As the third running back, Edwards-Helaire won't get many touches, but he has the talent to make a splash on five to 10 snaps.

With running backs Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon and now Edwards-Helaire -- all of whom have played well in stretches -- the Chiefs could have a dynamic backfield Sunday.

Edwards-Helaire hasn't played since a Week 11 game against the Chargers, when he suffered a high ankle sprain. Even before then, the Chiefs had turned to their seventh-round rookie Pacheco, who has rushed for 830 yards (4.9 per carry) as the lead back.

Edwards-Helaire rushed for 302 yards and three touchdowns this season and added 17 receptions for another 151 yards and three touchdowns.

Because of a hip injury, it was going to be an uphill battle for Hardman to play.

Thomas Huitt-Johnson

Thomas Huitt-Johnson is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is a former sports editor and sports reporter. He is a fan of the Mizzou Tigers, Sacramento Kings and everything boxing.

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