Clyde Edwards-Helaire Returns to Kansas City Chiefs Practice, Sammy Watkins Does Not

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned to the practice field on a limited basis Wednesday, a promising sign for Edwards-Helaire's chances to return to play in the Chiefs' playoff run.

According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, Edwards-Helaire, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, tackles Eric Fisher and Mike Remmers, linebackers Anthony Hitchens, Ben Niemann and Dorian O'Daniel were all spotted on the practice field during the open, padless portion of Chiefs practice.

In open portion of today’s practice (no pads), Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Tyreek Hill, Mike Remmers, Eric Fisher, Anthony Hitchens, Ben Niemann & Dorian O’Daniel we’re all on the practice fields.

No Sammy Watkins, Willie Gay & Mitchell Schwartz.

I didn’t see Rashad Fenton.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) January 13, 2021

Taylor and Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star both noted that wide receiver Sammy Watkins (calf injury) and rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (ankle) were not on the field during the open portion of practice.

Rashad Fenton, Willie Gay, and Sammy Watkins did not practice today.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Deon Yelder were limited.https://t.co/m2cRzF9svj
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 13, 2021

Edwards-Helaire suffered a hip/leg injury on December 20 in the Chiefs' win over the New Orleans Saints. Gay suffered his ankle injury early in the Chiefs' Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Watkins left the field with a calf injury in the Chiefs' Week 16 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Later reports indicated that his injury was "not significant," but without practicing on Wednesday, Watkins' situation bears watching.

Hitchens and rookie defensive end Mike Danna were both activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.

Update: In his Wednesday press conference, Reid confirmed that Watkins, Gay and cornerback Rashad Fenton did not practice. The rest of the active Chiefs practiced in at least some capacity.

Thursday Update: Edwards-Helaire, Watkins and Gay did not practice on Thursday, putting their status for Sunday in doubt.

Hard to see any of them playing on Sunday at this point. Even if Clyde is a load management/bring-him-back-slowly situation, it's just not worth it to rush him back. The backfield will be fine.
Watkins is a little bit concerning. https://t.co/jI2UfyM5NH
— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) January 14, 2021

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