The Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has confirmed the absence of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the second consecutive game against the Denver Broncos on the road in NFL Week 18.

Edwards-Helaire is suffering from a shoulder/spine injury, which has kept him off the field and that initially sidelined him in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After falling hard on his shoulder, Edwards-Helaire left the field and underwent medical tests that Monday. The results were positive compared to what was expected. However, the injury continues to keep him out of regular-season games for now.

Against this backdrop, the Chiefs will look to count on Edwards-Helaire through the postseason knowing that the backfield is already in good shape with Darrel Williams, Derrick Gore and Jerick McKinnon.

The Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s forced breaks

Edwards-Helaire has already missed a handful of games with an ACL sprain. That span included games from Week 6 through Week 10.

So far this year, Edwards-Helaire has 119 carries for 514 yards and 4 touchdowns in a sophomore season that has not allowed him to become a consistent and important piece in the Chiefs offense.

In addition to the team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lucas Niang will not play against the Broncos.