The late stretch of the NFL regular season features plenty of players dealing with nagging aches and injuries. The Kansas City Chiefs have more than their fair share of ailments entering Week 14, as several players could have different designations on this week’s injury report.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has to weigh a few more variables ahead of this Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The health of starting running back Isiah Pacheco is of concern as the team’s leading rusher has been dealing with a shoulder injury keeping him out of practice this week and possibly Sunday’s game. Nagy addressed the concern of being without Pacheco and utilizing Clyde Edwards-Helaire during his conversation with reporters on Thursday.
“I think that it’s one of those mentalities that we always say it’s a cliche that, you know, next man up if it goes that direction, and I think that that room has done a good job,” Nagy explained. “That’s one of the things building depth in that room. When you have that, it’s always nice to have. So I mean, Pop’s (Pacheco) has been phenomenal for us all year.
“You can see, you know, brings that energy, that physicality, really starting to become that leader as well. So, you know, the other guys in that room have done a really good job all year long of just really starting to complete that room by joining him and doing all the stuff we asked him. It’s got to be the next-man-up mentality.”
Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the starter until suffering an injury last season, allowing Pacheco to win the job with his exceptional performance.
“It’s your professional job always to prepare the right way. And then when you have that opportunity,” said Nagy. “Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) and these other guys entering your Clyde’s a vet so he understands that he gets it.”
Edwards-Helaire has filled in for Jerick McKinnon as the third down running back in recent games over the last two games. The versatility of the former first-round pick has made him a comfortable option and replacement.
“I think his speed looks good. As far as his running between the tackles, He’s been good. Even mentally, when you go through a transition, or you go through what he’s been through the last couple of years,” Nagy continued. “I think for him, he’s been a really good mentor and leader in the room; it starts there.
“When you get on the field when given opportunities, he’s trying to make the most of it. And that’s what I respect the most about him. And you know, in these situations, the running back position gets hit quite a bit. So if you have an injury or somebody next man up, you want to have a guy like Clyde, that’s ready.”
