Chiefs Former Super Bowl RB ‘Unlikely’ to Return for Playoff Run
After the Kansas City Chiefs placed Jerick McKinnon on injured reserve on Dec. 24, the door was open for the running back if the team made it past the wild card round.
However, if the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, January 13, they will likely have to continue their trip to the Super Bowl without McKinnon. According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, the veteran was only dealing with a groin injury.
“MacKinnon had surgery on January 1st. 2 A renowned core muscle specialist in Philadelphia, Dr. William Meyers,” Derrick reported. “In addition to a torn hamstring, McKinnon suffered a fractured femur.”
Coach Andy Reid has not officially ruled McKinnon out, but “the typical recovery from a similar procedure would take at least six to eight weeks,” Derrick wrote. “Dr. Blake Bell, who had similar surgery last year. Myers missed the first 14 games of the 2022 season, so it may be difficult for the 31-year-old to return this season.
Jerick McKinnon played a key role in Kansas City’s run to Super Bowl LVII last year. During the regular season, he had 72 carries for 291 yards, 56 receptions for 512 yards and nine scores. He added 19 more rushes for 60 yards in the postseason. In the championship game, McKinnon might have scored late in the fourth quarter. But he was intentionally stopped two yards short of the end zone, helping the Chiefs win.
In 12 games this season, McKinnon has 21 carries for 60 yards, 25 receptions for 192 yards and four scores. Chiefs fans are concerned that Jericho McKinnon may not return from this injury.
The Chiefs were shocked to learn that McKinnon was unlikely to return for the playoffs. One fan wrote on X’s page: “We couldn’t have won this ring without him last year. Shout out to Jetman.”
Because of his age, some fans complained that they may have seen his last game in Kansas City. The former third-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Chiefs. He is scheduled to become a free agent this season.
However, other fans are concerned that McKinnon may not return from his injury at all. One person said: “It’s actually a bigger loss than most people realise. My heart aches. Now that he turns 32 this year, he may retire from the NFL…
The Chiefs will rely heavily on RBs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards Heller in the playoffs.
It’s surprising the Chiefs didn’t try another running back after learning McKinnon suffered a fractured femur. However, the Chiefs had a game in Week 18 against La’Mical Perine. Perhaps he was preparing her to take over McKinnon’s role. Fortunately, the Chiefs took #1 pick Aysia Pacheco, who appears to be fully recovered. He has been training every day this week after suffering a shoulder injury. Pacheco finished the regular season with 205 rushes for 935 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 44 receptions for 244 yards and two scores. Veteran Clyde Edwards-Helair is also ready to go. In 15 games and three starts, he has 70 rushes for 233 yards and 17 receptions for 188 yards and a score. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters on Jan. 9 that he is “very confident” in the team’s offense ahead of Saturday night’s game.
“Not just on offense, but on the football team,” Mahomes said. “Look at how the defense is playing. Offensively, I think we’re playing our best football at the right times. I don’t think you need to score more if you can score. If we can score enough points, our defense can get stops and find a way to win.
Emily Beeks covers the NFL for Heavy.com, focusing on the Bills, Seahawks and Chiefs. He has been a contributor to Heavy since 2019 and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in sports, including Jerry Rice, Shaquille O’Neal and Stefon Diggs. Learn more about Emily Biggs
