Chiefs’ Week 9 practice squad elevations include RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has a history of success against the Bills

A former first-round draft pick with a history of success against the Buffalo Bills has been elevated by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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Oct 19, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs against Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) and outside linebacker A.J. Klein (54) in the third quarter at Bills Stadium. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their practice squad elevations ahead of the Week 9 game against the Buffalo Bills.

With RG Trey Smith questionable due to a back injury, the Chiefs elevated G C.J. Hanson from the practice squad. He was active for Week 8 against the Washington Commanders while Smith sat out with the back injury.

Smith is expected to play on Sunday, according to Chiefs HC Andy Reid, but this is likely hedging their bets in the event that he warms up, his back tightens up, and the training staff determines he can’t play.

As for the other practice squad elevation, the Chiefs’ plans at running back are no longer a mystery. With Isiah Pacheco ruled out with an MCL sprain, Kansas City brought former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire up from the practice squad.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be active over Elijah Mitchell

It remains to be seen if Edwards-Helaire will be active for the Week 9 game against the Bills, but it’d make sense for him to be up over a player like Elijah Mitchell. Not only does he have multiple seasons of success in this offense, but Edwards-Helaire’s best career game came against the Buffalo Bills on the road in Highmark Stadium back in 2020. Then-rookie Edwards-Helaire had 26 carries for over 160 yards, and he caught all of his targets on the day.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. Bills career stats

  • Games played:
  • Carries: 53
  • Rushing yards: 246
  • Receptions: 7
  • Receiving yards: 48
  • Yards per touch: 4.9

Edwards-Helaire is far removed from the rookie game, but if he can recapture the magic in a backup capacity behind Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith, it’d be a win for Kansas City. If Edwards-Helaire is active over Mitchell, it will raise some questions about whether Mitchell could be on the trade block in Kansas City after being a healthy scratch all season.

The reality is that it might have more to do with how trusted Edwards-Helaire is in pass protection compared to Mitchell.

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