Kansas City Chiefs players in huddleKansas City Chiefs players (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
It looks like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown won’t be the only notable name missing from the Kansas City Chiefs’ lineup after news came out on running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The reigning Super Bowl champions open the 2024 NFL season on Thursday, and they will be without the running back after they placed him on the non-football illness (NFI) list, as ESPN reported, guaranteeing at least a four-game absence due to an apparent mental health issue.

The former LSU standout has been battling PTSD.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire opened up about his battle with the disorder last month, saying it began in December 2018 over what he described as a “self-defense situation.”

That matter caused him to miss time at training camp.

Edwards-Helaire said the disorder has caused him to vomit or not be in his profession mentally. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is now on a treatment plan.

 

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire Reveals ‘Very Overwhelming’ Struggle With PTSD

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was absent from training camp practice for two days in July due to what the team referred to as an illness at the time.

The following Monday, Edwards-Helaire took to X — formerly Twitter — to explain what he’s dealing with.

“Living With PTSD is no small feat, it’s hard and very overwhelming,” Edwards-Helaire wrote. “Within the last month Ive Had many flare ups and the Amazing staff here at the #Chiefs have been helping me get through some tough times. I’ll be back rolling next Practice! All Love, Glydro.”

The 25-year-old did not elaborate further on what caused the post-traumatic stress disorder. It should be noted that he has been involved in two shootings since 2018.

Back in February 2024, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was declared a hero for shielding a child during a shooting at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration.

In 2018, while still in college at LSU, he and a teammate were involved in a robbery gone wrong that resulted in the death of a man who was attempting to rob Edwards-Helaire and the teammate.

REPORT: Kansas City Chiefs Predicted To Make Blockbuster Trade For Pro Bowl RB Who’s Rushed For Over 1,000 Yards In Each Of The Last 3 Seasons

Photo of Andy Reid speaking. The Chiefs are believed to be interested in Najee HarrisAndy Reid (Photo via Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked with a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris ahead of the start of the season.

The Chiefs are heading into the campaign with a stacked roster as they prepare to mount an attack on what would be a third consecutive Super Bowl win, yet it hardly means they can’t use some more help.

As such, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has pointed out a few trades that could possibly occur at some point this year, with Najee Harris joining the Chiefs noted as a potential move.

KC was apparently in the market for a top running back this offseason. Josh Jacobs, who joined the Green Bay Packers in free agency, recently disclosed that the AFC outfit made advances that were rejected because he considers them enemies.

“They were trying to get me hard,” Jacobs revealed in an interview with The Athletic. “But there was no way I was going there. I feel like once you are rivals with somebody, you have a genuine hate for them. I couldn’t see myself in that color.”

Najee Harris Is Heading Into The Final Year Of His Deal With The Steelers

The team didn’t make any big RB moves after missing out on Jacobs. Of course, they have a premium option in Isiah Pacheco, but they could certainly use some depth.

Steelers backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are both heading into their final contract years and are unlikely to get paid, considering the recent RB market, so trades would make sense.

Should they experience some early struggles, it’s not hard to see Pittsburgh agreeing to deal either one of the aforementioned players away.

Given the Chiefs’ clear intentions where another top RB is concerned, it would also not come as a surprise if they go for Najee Harris if he becomes available.